It's rare when St. Thomas Aquinas isn't returning back from the Kansas state volleyball tournament with the title in hand, but the Saints are ready to bring back the hardware this season.

The Saints finished 31-9 and the Kansas Class 5A state runner-up a year ago. St. Thomas Aquinas, which has won three of the last five Class 5A state titles, and reached the semifinals or beyond every year since 2013, are loaded up for another run in 2024.

Leading the way is outside hitter Alea Goolsby. The 5-foot-10 senior is committed to Iowa State and ranked as one of the top three seniors in Kansas.

"Alea's is a force from the outside and will be a go-to hitter," stated head coach Sarah Cretors. "Along with being a force in the front row Alea is a great backrow player. Plus she's meant a lot of the program and will finish with a strong senior year."

Also on the outside will be junior Grace Martin (5-foot-11). Joining Martin up front will be sophomore Presley Kreter, a 6-foot-1 middle who is coming off injury.

"Grace is another high flyer that has a super quick arm swing and brings the energy to the court we need," Cretors touted. "We will see if Presley can back and praying for a quick recovery."

Dealing up potential kills will be junior setter Alayna Vaeth (5-foot-8). 

"Alayna is a competitive setter that will lead us well this year," Cretors stated. "She is aggressive in the front row so looking for her to be an offensive threat as well."

As always, the Eastern Kansas League will be stacked with teams in addition to St. Thomas Aquinas that will prepare the Saints for the postseason, such as Blue Valley North, Bishop Miege, St. James Academy and others.

"The EKL year in and year out is the most competitive league in the state. We do not see that being any different this year," Cretors concluded. "There are some big time players this year in the league, and that'll help us get ready for our ultimate goal - a state championship."