Warrenton High School alumna Kayla Nelson was recently tabbed to lead the Warrenton volleyball program. 

Warrenton Activities Director Kevin Fowler confirmed the hire of Nelson as the school’s head varsity volleyball coach. The Warren County R-III Board of Education has approved the hire. 

The Warrenton High School graduate takes over for Randy Kindschuh, who retired this year after leading the Lady Warriors to three conference titles in six seasons at the helm of the Warrenton volleyball program. Nelson said Kindschuh was looking for Nelson or assistant coach Allison Tonioli to take over the head coaching spot.  

“I’m going into my third year of coaching,” Nelson said. “And I feel like I can be definitely more experienced. But I’m just like why not the experience? Get my foot in the door. I think to be my age and already be a head coach tells a lot about my ability. I love doing it so I might as well.”

Nelson believes her experience as an assistant coach for Warrenton is helpful as she makes the transition to the head coaching position. She confirmed there is an adjustment for both Nelson and the players in Nelson’s switch from assistant coach to head coach. 

Nelson plans to continue to prioritize serve reception, which was a key focus for Kindschuh in his time at Warrenton. The Lady Warriors will also work on other things Nelson feels could have been more of a focus last season. She is also working with the players to understand their rotations. 

“With games, that’s what I’m trying to accomplish with them,” Nelson said. “And serve receive, we serve receive every day still. Not as long as Kindschuh, but we do serve receive every day. And eventually, I want to get to a spot where we are learning blocking and our coverage for hitting and for blocking.” 

The coaching change will bring with it a new formation for the Lady Warriors. Last season, Kindschuh ran a 5-1 formation last season. Nelson’s plan this season is to run a 6-2 formation. The formation will feature two setters. 

“Having all six of them up there, actually having a right side for all six rotations I think is better for our setters,” Nelson said. “Because they get to set those balls. If we run a 5-1, then you take out the right side for three rotations. So I think it’s beneficial for everybody. Obviously, it gives more girls a chance to play because I need more with a 6-2.”

Nelson is stressing conditioning as the Lady Warriors prepare for the fall season. She wants Warrenton to have the fastest athletes on the court. 

“We do a lot of conditioning work and weights before we come out here and do our open gyms,” Nelson said. “Just so I know they’re getting their training so we can prepare to be the fastest.”

Nelson is harping confidence as a major key for the Lady Warriors this upcoming season. They adopted a Starbucks Mentality mantra for the upcoming season. 

“We played a not so hot game and then we had a game to sit,” Nelson said. “I’m like I’m going to get Starbucks. And they were like me too. So everyone got Starbucks and we won the next time. So from here on, we are Starbucks Mentality. So hopefully we get that in their head. Confidence, Starbucks Mentality, we’ll have a great season.”