At 5-foot-3, Bell City's Niemczyk towers over competition

Katie Niemczyk was the heart and soul of the Bell City volleyball team.

Niemczyk is undersized for a standout volleyball player at 5 feet, 3 inches, but what she lacked in size she made up for in effort. Whether it was hitting, passing or defense, Niemczyk was always there when the Cubs needed her.

That grit and determination was a big part of Bell City's Class 1 state title run in 2003, and Niemczyk again played a key role in a second straight district title and an appearance in the quarterfinal round this season.

Niemczyk's strong senior season and standout career have earned her the Southeast Missourian Volleyball Player of the Year.

"It was nice to have someone like her," said Bell coach Erin Hoffman, who took over the program prior to the 2003 season

Fielding a team which often was undersized, the Cubs took on the personality of their floor leader. When the Cubs were at their best the past few seasons, they were scrapping out long points with outstanding defense.

"We definitely didn't have the height advantage over too many teams," Niemczyk said. "You just have to find another way to win."

Bell City's defense, led by Niemczyk, frustrated some of the top hitting teams. Niemczyk allowed few balls to hit the floor in front of her. Through 30 regular-season matches this season, Niemczyk had 301 digs -- more than 10 digs a match.

"She had really great anticipation," Hoffman said. "She knew where they were going to hit it."

While strong defensive play might be expected from a 5-3 player, Niemczyk's hitting didn't come up short. In the past two seasons, Niemczyk had more than 400 kills.

"I think Katie's big thing is she just had great court awareness, vision," Hoffman said. "She could see the blockers, see the holes."

In the Cubs' quarterfinal match, Niemczyk nearly willed the team to victory, diving all over the floor and pounding kills past the Gideon defense. Bell City came up short in three games, but Niemczyk finished with 16 digs and 11 kills.

Hoffman said when the game was on the line, she told her girls to get the ball to Niemczyk.

"I felt comfortable putting her in that position," Hoffman said.

Niemczyk's finest moment came in the 2003 Class 1 championship match, where she set the state record for digs in a championship match with 30 and tied the championship record with 17 kills. In 2003, Niemczyk also set the record for total digs in a state tournament with 71.

"That's neat. That's something that will hopefully be there for a while," Niemczyk said. "Before we went to state, we talked about winning, but not about setting records."

Bell City will return four starters next year as it tries to build on the success that Niemczyk helped accomplish.

"She taught the young players a lot," Hoffman said. "Hopefully they've got some of the instincts she has."

Niemczyk plans to continue her volleyball career in college, though she has not decided on a school.

"I'd like to," Niemczyk said of playing at the collegiate level. "It would be a great honor."

All-Southeast Missourian Team

Katie Niemczyk, senior, Bell City -- A big hitter despite standing only 5 feet, 3 inches, she set state marks for digs in a championship match and digs in a state tournament during the Class 1 title run in 2003.

Laura Browne, senior, Notre Dame -- Browne is a classic middle hitter at 6-0. Her hitting and blocking abilities helped carry the Bulldogs to a Class 3 state quarterfinal appearance.

Kacie Cartwright, senior, Scott City -- Cartwright was her team's kills leader and a big reason the Rams knocked off top-seeded Puxico in the Class 2 district championship.

Amber Nenninger, senior, Leopold -- Nenninger continued the tradition of strong Leopold hitters and led the Wildcats to another Class 1 district crown.

Angela Broshuis, junior, Advance -- Teaming with older sister Alicia, Broshuis was a team leader for the Hornets. She topped the squad in aces and had more than 100 kills and 100 digs.

Allison Essner, senior, Notre Dame -- Essner provided steady passing and strong all-around play for the Bulldogs.

Honorable mention

Amanda Essner, Notre Dame; Lindsey Amick, Scott City; Emily Burch, Bell City; Sierra Paulus, St. Vincent; Lori VanderMierden, Leopold; Molly Hartmann, Jackson; Rebecca Martin, Jackson; Carmen Duncan, Oran; Rachel Spears, Bell City