Article by Jimmy Potts
IOLA, Kan. (AllenRedDevils.com) – With a postseason loss to eventual national champion Cowley County, the Allen Community College Red Devils believe 2025 may be their year.
The Red Devils are eager to get back on the court and face an opponent not wearing red and black next Saturday, when they head to Butler Community College for a trio of preseason scrimmages against Jayhawk Conference foes McPherson, Butler Community College and Cloud County Community College.
“We started off right where we left off. We’re not having to backtrack at all,” said Allen sophomore outside hitter Audrey Peek, who was an all-conference libero last season. “It’s exactly where we ended last season and the freshmen came in and matched it immediately.”
Along with Peek, the Red Devils return five players from their roster with middle hitters Chloe Curl, Laurel “Grace” Larimore, opposite side hitters Yolaine Luthi, Alece Lehrman and defensive specialist Camila Afonso.
Along with a talented group of incoming freshmen Coach Maria Aikins believes she can continue developing Allen into the next juggernaut of Midwest volleyball.
“The preseason has been really good,” Aikins said. “The girls have been coming in, practicing really hard and being good teammates and lifting each other up. I have high expectations and the group we brought in can take us to the next level.”
With a maximum of five sophomores filling six spots on the court, developing freshmen to perform early is a priority this season. The Red Devils wrap up each practice with team-building exercises.
Thursday, players spent 30 minutes rotating in a circle just to make sure every player conversed with every teammate. Considering the role a good chemistry plays on every exchange, developing trust through positive interactions will play a role in frustrating moments.
“They’re very athletic and competitive. They’re pushing the sophomores,” Curl said. “There is not one sophomore who thinks her spot is secure. We have a very competitive group of girls, but they’re nice and loving.”
Brazilian sophomore Camilia Afonso focused on assisting international players acclimate to their new home away from home.
With some speaking English as a second language and arriving to the U.S. only weeks ago, Afonso said she is working to make sure the girls are adjusting.
“When I came here as a freshman I could not speak the language. It was crazy,” Afonso said. “I could not say anything on the court, but everyone was helping me. This group really wants to be here, and it’s easier when everyone wants the same thing.”
After missing the DII national tournament despite boasting a 26-9 record, Aikens said she does not plan to schedule many middling teams in the preseason.
Considering the Red Devils finished fourth in a conference with five teams surpassing 25 wins, she wants to face the area’s elite teams out of the gate.
“We’re going to see a lot of good Division 1’s,” Aikins said. “That is going to prepare us for the following weekend when we’re in Rockford, Illinois. It’s one of the top tournaments in the country.”
