If Emily Janowski’s enthusiasm is any indication, it’s going to be a successful season for the Wright City volleyball team.Then again, her exuberance could be misread, because it’s not often the Wildcat senior isn’t passionate about whatever she is pursuing.One thing is for certain — Janowski will be the leader of this year’s team — in multiple ways.“Without a doubt, she is our leader,” said first-year coach James Baker. “She has shown her ability and desire to lead her teammates through practice already.”Having played three years on the varsity level, she is Wright City’s most experienced player and most proven hitter. She returns to the court after recording a team-best 99 kills on 237 attacks last season.Janowski is the most stable piece of the puzzle, as the Wildcats welcome their third head coach in four seasons.“It has been tough at times, but I feel like we’ve worked through the changes,” said Janowski.Despite the coaching turnover and system changes, which include a move to a 6-2 set this season, the Wildcats have improved their win total each year since Janowski was a freshman.“All the people have worked so hard to be more successful each year,” said Janowski. “It’s important to me that we keep doing that.”What began as a fun activity with her mom and sister in the backyard turned competitive in third grade. Janowski quickly ruled out other sports, including basketball, and focused on what mattered most to her.Nearly a decade later, she is still playing alongside her sister, Amy, who will be a sophomore.“I love playing with my sister,” said Janowski. “Sometimes it’s frustrating. We’re closer to each other than the others on the team, so we get to yell at other.”Emily has watched her own progression over three seasons, playing for the St. Charles Stars select team during the winter months.“I’ve come a long way hitting,” said Janowski. “I wasn’t horrible, but I’ve had a lot of coaching that’s helped a lot.”She was able to rally the Wildcats to victory on several occasions last season, using her demeanor and determination on the court to lift her team from deficits.“She’s an amazing hitter and can place the ball where it needs to go to score points,” said Baker. “Her team feeds off that, and she’s the kind of player you want out there at all times.”Janowski has played alongside many teammates since her freshman campaign, witnessing limited numbers to now growing involvement.“My freshman year there were only 6 that played the entire time,” recalled Janowski. “We’ve gotten better playing as a team and having chemistry since then.”She believes the Wildcats have the potential to continue the climb that begin three years ago.“We’re hoping to win as many games as last year, if not more,” said Janowski, who says right now she isn’t considering playing volleyball in college.“In the last game I could probably change my mind, though,” she added.JANOWSKIDerrick Forsythe photo.