Ava Rakers, Avery Leu and Alexis Ramo have something in common.

They’re seniors at Montgomery County High School, they love volleyball and they have first names that start with the same letter – A.

“The three of us are pretty close,” Ramo said. “We know how to uplift each other and support each other’s roles in playing the game.”

This fall, the seniors are looking to put together a grade-A effort for the Wildcats in their final seasons with the program. They are leading a team that has six players who are participating in varsity for the first time.

“They’re learning what it takes to be more leaders on the court and not that backseat role when they were younger,” MCHS coach Rachel Leu said. “We’ve been talking with them about how they have to take charge out there a little bit and help the young girls figure out what their roles are so that they can feel confident on the court, too.”

The Wildcats have a combined 15 freshmen and sophomores and only one junior. Rakers said her team has a bright future.

“I think this program is looking really good,” Rakers said. “I think we have a lot of determined players and a lot of players who want to prove their spot on the court. We have a lot of freshmen. They’re all working their butts off in practice to prove that they have a spot on the court, which is incredible to see.”

A year ago, Rakers, Leu and Ramo were valuable players for the Wildcats as juniors, helping them finish with a .500 record and capture their sixth straight Eastern Missouri Conference title. Rakers and Ramo were named to the all-EMO team.

Rakers said she was thrilled to earn her first all-conference award.

“It was honestly amazing,” she said. “I didn’t expect it, but I was very proud of the way I worked my butt off to be able to play with our five seniors because it’s a very competitive role to play. I was very proud of myself.”

Rakers plays libero, which is a defensive specialist. Last year, she finished with 170 digs, the third-most on the team.

“I love it,” Rakers said. “It’s fun to throw your body out there and pray to God that you’re going to touch on it. Your teammates get so excited when you get that.”

Leu is the setter. Last fall, she had 32 assists, including a season-high four in the Wildcats’ season-ending loss to Tolton Catholic in the district semifinals.

“It’s fun being able to run up there and hit the ball,” Leu said. “The next thing I know, I got my good hitters ready for the set.”

Leu said she enjoys playing with her mother, who is in her 14th season as the Wildcats’ coach.

“There were a lot of times where it’s hard for me to realize that she’s my coach,” Leu said. “Playing for the Wildcats is like the most amazing thing I could ever be doing right now. It’s super fun and super awesome. I got used to it. I work hard every day. We work hard every day.”

Ramo is the middle hitter. Last year, she finished with 98 kills and 32 blocks.

“I feel like it’s very empowering,” Ramo said. “It’s a great boost of confidence, but it also can be a very tricky thing at the same time because of the blockers. You really have to work through their defense where you hit the ball wherever you put it. I feel like a great hitter is only a great hitter with a good pass and a good set.”

Rakers, Ramo and Avery Leu have played with the MCHS volleyball program since they were freshmen. They started playing volleyball in elementary school. In the 2021 season, they were among nine freshmen on the MCHS team. This year, they’re the only seniors.

Rakers said the best part of playing volleyball for the Wildcats is getting huge support from the Montgomery County community.

“The community behind us is incredible,” Rakers said. “We always know that they have our support, which is awesome. It’s a really awesome atmosphere out there because you can hear your fans behind you. It’s such a heartwarming experience knowing that win or lose, they have our backs.”