Western Kansas Athletes Shine Across Multiple Sports

Western Kansas and small-town Kansas showcase their ability to produce standout athletes who excel not just in one sport but across multiple sports. From basketball courts to the volleyball net to the track, these competitors display the toughness, versatility, and tremendous work ethic that accompany small-school sports. Their ability to impact games year-round—scoring points in the winter, racking up digs and kills in the fall, and sprinting or jumping to medals in the spring—sets them apart as true multi-sport standouts. The following evaluations highlight athletes who embody that balance of skill and dedication, making them cornerstones for their teams and names to watch across Kansas.    Wheatland-Grinnell's [player_tooltip player_id='893503' first='Natalie' last='Bixenman'] is making her mark as one of Northwest Kansas' top multi-sport athletes. On the basketball court, the standout point guard averaged nearly 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season, earning KBCA All-State honors. She's equally impactful in volleyball with more than 260 kills and 350 digs, and in track and field she excels in hurdles, pole vault, and jumps. Bixenman's blend of speed, agility, and versatility from all three sports makes her one of the region's most complete competitors.     Cheylin's [player_tooltip player_id='723402' first='Taylor' last='McCarty'] has already emerged as one of Northwest Kansas' premier multi-sport athletes. On the basketball court, she averaged over 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals per game last season, earning KBCA All-State honors and establishing herself as a go-to scorer and defensive force. In volleyball, McCarty added more than 360 kills and 340 digs while collecting all-league and all-state recognition. With her scoring ability, versatility, and competitive drive, McCarty is cementing her place as one of the state's rising stars.     Gabi Pochop is someone who makes an impact in less flashy but critical ways. She's a good rebounder, defender, and versatile volleyball player who can help a basketball coach with hustle, energy, and depth. If she improves on scoring and has big games, she could move into a more central offensive role. As a senior, she has leadership potential—likely to be counted on in both volleyball and basketball, especially in league / tournament play.     Golden Plains sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1224324' first='Kailee' last='Wessel'] has quickly become one of the area's most versatile athletes. On the basketball court, the 5'8” forward averaged over 10 points and 9 rebounds per game this past season, earning All-State recognition while ranking among the top rebounders in Kansas Class 1A Division II. She brings that same competitive edge to volleyball, where she's a consistent contributor at the net and in the back row, and to track and field, where she holds a school record in the 200 meters and competes in relays. Wessel's combination of size, strength, and speed makes her a true multi-sport standout, with each season sharpening the athleticism and toughness that translate into her basketball success.     Western Plains combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1047959' first='Madelyn' last='Kraus'] is looking to establish herself as one of the area's top all-around athletes. On the basketball court, she averaged nearly 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals per game this past season, establishing herself as a reliable scorer and defensive leader. Her impact isn't just felt on the basketball court as she also contributes on the volleyball court, where her athleticism and court awareness shine, and on the track, where she captured the 400-meter dash at the Logan Invitational with a time of 1:01.46. Kraus' speed, toughness, and versatility across three sports make her a cornerstone for Western Plains and one of the region's most dynamic competitors.     Western Plains junior [player_tooltip player_id='1114884' first='Jaelyn' last='Spangler'] is showcasing why she's one of the most dynamic multi-sport athletes in Western Kansas. On the basketball court, the 5'5” point guard runs the offense with precision, averaging nearly seven assists per game while adding scoring and defensive pressure. She's just as impactful in volleyball, where she delivered nearly 200 kills, 168 digs, and 76 aces last season, earning First Team All-WKLL honors. On the track, Spangler has established herself as one of the state's top sprinters, winning regional and league titles in the 100, 200, and 400 meters with a personal best of 59.98 in the 400. Her speed, court vision, and competitiveness across all three sports make her a true cornerstone for the Bobcats.

Western Kansas and small-town Kansas showcase their ability to produce standout athletes who excel not just in one sport but across multiple sports. From basketball courts to the volleyball net to the track, these competitors display the toughness, versatility, and tremendous work ethic that accompany small-school sports. Their ability to impact games year-round—scoring points in the winter, racking up digs and kills in the fall, and sprinting or jumping to medals in the spring—sets them apart as true multi-sport standouts. The following evaluations highlight athletes who embody that balance of skill and dedication, making them cornerstones for their teams and names to watch across Kansas.