After taking the 2022 season off from coaching, Katelyn Sallee was not necessarily looking to make it back to the volleyball sidelines this fall.
The 35-year-old stepped away from Highlands after the 2021 season to spend more time with her husband and their three kids. But the Walton-Verona job came open, her kids are in the school district and long-time Director of Athletics Kyle Bennett reached out to her about it. After taking some time to mull things over, Sallee decided to accept it.
Sallee met with the players Friday morning at the high school listing her expectations such as constant communication, no gossiping, hustle, heart and an effort to attend every event. She said she believes it is imperative to fix issues as a team.
“Leaving Highlands was a a difficult decision, but a timely one for the season our family was in,” Sallee said. “When I got the call from Kyle Bennett to consider taking the position, I was immediately interested in the opportunity to invest in the school my kids will be a part of. My return to coaching is a bit faster than I anticipated. But I feel like I’m right where I need to be and grateful for the chance to pour into these young women and their families.”
Sallee comes into a similar situation she found the Highlands program when she took it over in 2014. Walton-Verona has struggled the last two seasons going a combined 15-42 including an 8-22 mark last year and has made the 8th Region Tournament just once in the past four seasons.
The Bearcats had 11 straight winning seasons from 2010-20. Sallee takes over for Angela Hummeldorf, who led the program from 2016 to last year.
“It is my honor to be given the reins of this program,” Sallee said. “Coach Hummeldorf is a friend and respected colleague. I have coached against her for several years and I admire what she’s done with this program. I am excited to pick up where she left off and continue to build a culture of family with a team first mentality, 100% effort, and servant leadership at the core.”
Walton-Verona has been to the region semifinals seven times since 2003 and have on nine district championships during that span.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Sallee to the Walton-Verona community,” Bennett said. “She is invested in our schools, and I can not wait to see what she can and will do with the Bearcat Volleyball program. I have always been impressed with Katelyn’s coaching style and passion for the sport. When she was here earlier in her career, she developed such a great bond and rapport with her players that I couldn’t wait to get her back in our program.”
Sallee guided the Bluebirds from 2014-21, posting a 172-99 record earning the Northern Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association Coach of the Year honor three times. Highlands won five straight 36th District championships between 2017-21 and made it to the Ninth Region semifinals in 2017 and ’19.
Sallee cited the founding of the Little Birds program as helping the rise of the Highlands program. She said Walton-Verona has an intramurals program run by former Beechwood head coach Christina Prindle-Negretti.
Sallee started her coaching career leading the Walton-Verona junior varsity team in 2011 under Tony Pfeffer. She was an All-Ohio Valley Conference setter at Morehead State University after graduating from Simon Kenton in 2005. The Pioneers won three district championships during her time in high school.
Sallee is in the process of assembling a staff.
The Bearcats play in the All “A” Tournament, which Sallee acknowledged she has to get acclimated with. They last won the All “A” Eighth Region crown in 2019.
Simon Kenton has won the last five 32nd District championships.
“We have to get back to the region tournament first,” Sallee said. “We’re going to play a lot of Ninth Region programs since we’re up here.”
Walton-Verona listed two seniors on last year’s team in Jenna Rodgers and Addyson Turner. Rodgers led the Bearcats with 215 digs last year.
But junior setter Amber Hall returns after leading the Bearcats with 316 assists and nine solo blocks. Sophomore Isabella O’Brien also returns after recording team-highs of 146 kills and 35 aces to go with 152 digs. Sophomore Macie Godwin also returns after recording 176 digs and 34 aces last year.
“I already have mad respect for this coach. I think she’s going to do a lot for this program. I think that the last couple of years have been kind of rough,” Hall said. “But I think that Coach Sallee is going to come in here and give it her all. As long as our team give it our all, I think we have a chance. I think this season is going to be it. I’m excited for my senior season. We’re all going to come out with a bang and it’s going to be a great season.”
Sallee ultimately had each player pulling her weight at Highlands. Some teams mostly rely on one hitter for the kills.
“It’s nice to have a number of options,” Sallee said. “That takes pressure off that one person.”