The Little River High School volleyball team enters the 2026 season looking for its fifth Kansas Class 1A Division I state title in a row and sixth overall.
Little River has won state titles in 1984, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 — the last four under head coach Kim Rolfs.
Rolfs enters her 10th season at Little River with a 284-82 record at the school and a 494-161 overall head coaching record. Rolfs will be assisted by Jennifer Mantz and Grace Hendrickson.
Little River replaces a number of key players from last year’s championship team. The team returns four players, with several younger players expected to take on expanded roles as the program looks to make another postseason run.
Senior outside hitter Saelyn Raleigh leads the returning group after earning All-State recognition last season and leading Little River in kills during the championship campaign.
Senior opposite hitter Avery Lafferty also returns, while junior setter/opposite hitter Macy Schubert has stepped into a new role and has shown significant improvement.
Sophomore outside hitter Dempsey Lafferty is another player to watch after missing last season with a knee injury and returning to the court with an opportunity to make an immediate impact.
“Our focus this year isn’t any different from previous years, work to get better everyday and be our best come late October,” Rolfs told Sports in Kansas.
“Where that takes us we won’t know until it’s over. Our kids are excited for this season to get going. They understand what our program history has been and are ready to face it head on. No expectations but to work everyday to meet their potential.”
Little River opens the season Tuesday with a triangular at Ellinwood.
The Redskins will face the defending Class 2A state champion Ellinwood Eagles and Inman, which placed third in the Class 2A state tournament in 2024 with a 43-3 record.
Little River 2026 volleyball schedule
Sept. 1 Little River, Inman at Ellinwood Triangular
Sept. 3 Little River, Nickerson at Cheney Triangular
Sept. 17 Little River hosts Ellsworth
Oct. 3 Little River at Canton-Galva Tournament
Oct. 6 Little River at Peabody-Burns Mod Quad
Oct. 10 Little River at Wheat State League Tournament, Goessel
Oct. 12 Little River at Garden Plain
Oct. 20-21 Class 1A Division I Regional Tournaments
Oct. 26 Class 1A Division I Sub-State Tournaments
Oct. 29-31 Class 1A Division I State Tournament, Tony’s Pizza Events Center, Salina
