Head volleyball coach retires

Head+volleyball+coach+retires

Micheal Simmons, Blue M Editor-in-Chief

After nine years as the head volleyball coach, six of which ended in the state tournament, Lisa Kinderknecht has chosen to retire from coaching.

Kinderknecht filled the shoes of multiple former coaches who held the title of head volleyball coach at Manhattan High, all of which left a legacy behind as she has.

“I came into a program that was already established,” Kinderknecht said. “I replaced several really good coaches so the program was already really established and due to the previous coaches. They’re were big shoes to fill and it was a privilege to step into such a high qualified program and just enjoy every bit of it. I’m just getting a little older and wanting to enjoy family a little bit more.”

While the team made it to the state tournament throughout the majority of Kinderknecht’s career, she ended her final season at MHS without making it to the state tournament. Her final match as head coach was ended in two sets to Washburn Rural in the sub-state tournament.

“[MHS has made it to state three years in a row] so the girls who have been part of the program have made that their goal but it should never be an expectation. With our league it’s always a battle to get through sub-state and unfortunately we ended up having to play Washburn Rural and they are a really strong program,” Kinderknecht said. “Sure I wanted [to make it to state] for the girls but it’s not going to put any damper on my experience as head coach and how much I enjoyed coaching the girls. I feel very blessed and fortunate that I got to be part of the state tournament when I was but it was the girls that did it not me.”

Throughout her time at Manhattan High, Kinderknecht has left her mark in the history of Manhattan High volleyball. Kinderknecht was the first head coach to lead the team to a Centennial League title in 2017, during which they placed fourth at the state tournament. Not only has she left her mark on MHS, she has also made a lasting impact on the athletes she coached.

“I have made so many memories with coach [Kinderknecht] throughout my four years of playing volleyball,” senior Haleigh Harper said. “It’s sad for the both of us that our volleyball career at Manhattan has come to an end but I speak for the both of us when I say we are super excited for that the future has in store for us. I’m glad I ended my volleyball career with such an inspiration and dedicated coach.”