One year removed from the first state tournament since 2018 and the first semi final appearance since 2014, the Powell Panther volleyball team has its sights set high heading into 2023.

The Panthers return talent all around the court, but need to replace four key rotation players from a year ago in Gretel Opps, Anna Bartholomew, Sydney Spomer and Mikayla Graham.

“We have some replacing to do,” coach Lesli Spencer said. “We have some really good kids coming up.”

Spencer said the team is stepping into the shoes of those graduates, with the Panthers hoping to take another step forward after a significant jump in 2022 when the Panthers finished unbeaten in 3A Northwest play and advanced to the third day at the state tournament.

Returning for her senior year is two-time All-State selection Addy Thorington, who was the 3A West Player of the Year a year ago.

She finished with 452 kills, 302 digs, 166 total blocks and 44 aces a season ago to lead the Panthers at the front.

Continuing in their roles from last season are expected to be senior Waycee Harvey and junior Saige Kidd on the front line — with Spencer impressed with her returning trio thus far in the preseason.

“Saige is looking amazing, and Waycee and Addy are hitting the ball really hard,” Spencer said.

Stepping into the setting role is expected to be a combo of senior Stevee Walsh, who has served in rotation for the Panthers in the past as a setter, alongside junior Catelynn Floy who is expected to take on a bigger role for the team this year.

“Catelynn is coming in and picking up a big role in our offense,” Spencer said.

Another returner for the team includes libero Alexa Richardson, someone that Spencer said she anticipates taking a step this year after another year in the role.

“I see Alexa taking over the court,” Spencer said. “She is coming in as a junior and understanding the role better.”

In contention to contribute alongside returners includes Kenzie Fields, Maci Borders and Kodee Asay as well as another open spot that Spencer said they will be attempting to fill out over the first few weeks of the season.

“We have one spot that is kind of open,” Spencer said. “We will be using some different girls in that spot and finding out what is going to gel with everybody.”

After finishing last year with a 23-11-1 record, Spencer said the team expects to contend once again for the regular season conference title, regional tournament alongside taking another step at the state tournament.

“Our main goal is to be state contenders this year,” Spencer said.

The journey toward that goal will kick off this weekend on the road, heading to Lander to take part in an invitational.

That will serve as the start of three consecutive weekends on the road at invitationals, which will be followed by Cody and Rawlins before the Panthers host their home and conference opener on Sept. 15 against Thermopolis.