Reese Swanson has spent the offseason preparing herself for a bigger role with the Central Christian Cougars.

The senior outside hitter enters the 2026 season with plenty of experience and high expectations, both for herself and her team. After recording 303 kills and 230 digs last season, Swanson hopes to use her experience to help Central Christian make a postseason run.

“The thing I am most excited for during this season is seeing where our team can go in the postseason,” Swanson said. “We continue to have great chemistry, and multiple girls are coming out and filling big varsity positions for us.”

Swanson put in plenty of work during the offseason to prepare for the upcoming season. She attended Central Christian’s volleyball camp as well as a volleyball camp at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. She also continued to practice volleyball and basketball on a weekly rotation while weightlifting multiple times a week.

That work has given Swanson opportunities to improve her physical skills while also developing a deeper understanding of the game.

“One area I want to improve this season is to be a more strategic outside hitter,” Swanson said. “Not only improving my swing but also improving my tips, rolls, etc. so that I can score strategically.”

Swanson said working with coach Mary Ver Steeg during the summer helped her develop her volleyball IQ and become more intentional with her play.

“I had lots of opportunities to increase my volleyball IQ and learn from my coach, Mary Ver Steeg,” Swanson said.

Swanson’s production last season gives her a strong foundation heading into 2026. She finished with a 95% serving percentage, a 34.8% kill percentage and a .202 hitting percentage while averaging 3.0 digs per set.

But Swanson’s goals extend beyond individual statistics.

She wants the Cougars to win the Heart of the Plains League tournament and believes the team has the chemistry and talent to accomplish that goal.

“One team goal I have is to be the Heart of the Plains League champions in our League tournament,” Swanson said. “I think we can truly accomplish that this year, and I’m looking forward to it!”

Individually, Swanson wants to become the type of leader her teammates need, even if that means pushing herself outside of her comfort zone.

“One individual goal I have is to be the leader that my team needs me to be and step out of my comfort zone,” Swanson said.

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