For over two decades the Kelly Walsh Lady Trojans have dominated the Volleyball court in Wyoming. It almost seems fitting that Kelly Walsh won the first ever state volleyball championship in 1971. Fast forward 53 years and its clear that year after year, the legacy and culture of Kelly Walsh Volleyball continues to thrive as a dynasty. Trojan volleyball didn’t win the title again until 2001, but since then, they have been nothing short of remarkable.
The Lady Trojans are wealthy in accomplishments and the proof is in the trophy case. (Visit the Volleyball Archives on the WHSAA website to see all the results of State Championships dating back to when the game was first introduced to Wyoming.)
Since Head Coach, Jeff Barkell started in 2000, the volleyball program has only grown. Barkell has massively implemented positive aspects in the years he’s coached. Under his guidance, the Lady Trojans have secured nine of their ten state titles, and have seen the state championship court 18 times.
Barkell’s record as a coach speaks for itself. But that isn’t where the accolades stop. In 2022, Barkell won the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s coach of the year award, as per the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
Being a part of such a major program, there are expectations and standards to achieve, and Barkell has definitely met them. He understands that he has helped build a legacy at Kelly Walsh, but winning isn’t the only thing he wants his players to remember.
“I hope my legacy is that I helped build leaders that can go into communities and be leaders in business, in schools, in sports, and whatever it is they decide to do,” Barkell said.
Barkell wants to leave his players with the a certain ideology that extends beyond the volleyball court.
“You should always try to look for ways to do more than your share in every situation that you’re in and leave every place you go better than you found it,” Barkell said.
His words of wisdom truly impact every player he’s taught due to the success of the program in his hands and the success of the athletes he’s upskilled.
Former player, now assistant coach for the Lady Trojans, Corin Carruth, said she “gained a lot of grit.” being a part of Kelly Walsh Volleyball and she “knew how to deal with tough situations.” because she was “part of a competitive program and a culture that’s so high quality.”
Carruth was a 3x all-conference selection during her career, 2x all-state selection, 4-A Player of the Year, 4-A West Regional Player of the Year, and named a Third Team High School All-American her senior year. Carruth went on to successfully play Volleyball for the University of Wyoming.
Not only has Barkell been successful as a coach, his players have enjoyed a lot of success over the years too. The KW program has produced several Gatorade Player of the Year Athletes that include Lorraine Morrison in 1997, (although she played before Barkell coached the Lady Trojans), Devin Crotteau won it twice in 2005 and 2006, Emily Rochelle won it twice in 2008 and 2009, Madison Vinich in 2017, and Danilynn Schell won it twice in 2018 and 2019.
Kelly Walsh has also produced All-State selections every year under Barkell. And many of those players were selected to All-State more than once. In fact, in the first 29 years of Wyoming high school volleyball Kelly Walsh produced 29 all state selections. In the 24 seasons under Coach Barkell, KW has produced 68 All-State selections.
Memorable athletes come through the Kelly Walsh Volleyball program year after year. They impact it in ways that leaves meaning for players decades after them. This legacy will forever be built up and admired, the future of the Lady Trojans will never be in doubt because of the footprints left behind.
