Willer steps down as Louisburg volleyball coach

After spending eight years with Louisburg volleyball, including the last four years as head coach, Leanna Willer is saying goodbye to the program.

Willer informed her team last Thursday that she has resigned her post as head coach and will be accepting a new position as the head coach at Olathe East High School.

“This decision is bittersweet, but deep down I know that this is the best decision for me and my life,” Willer said in an email to parents. “The team will move on, and I feel lucky that I could play a small part in the long-standing traditions of the program. To the alumni and class of 2024, I thank you for your commitment to this team and to this program, and for making my time at Louisburg unforgettable. To our younger players, I am sorry for not seeing your journeys all the way through, but please know that you have my unwavering support and I cannot wait to see what you all can accomplish with the time you have left as Louisburg Wildcats.”

Willer was an assistant under head coach Jessica Compliment her first four years, before taking over the program in 2021. She went on to lead the Wildcats to two sub-state championships during that time, including two fourth-place finishes at the Class 4A state tournament.

“I had a very difficult time making this decision, and the Louisburg volleyball family is a huge reason why,” Willer said in the email. “Over the last eight years, I have grown close with many of you and your families, and I feel incredibly grateful that Louisburg welcomed me with open arms so many years ago. The outpouring of love and support from the community that I have felt as part of this program has been overwhelming, and I could not have asked for a better place to begin my career. Louisburg is truly a special place that I will always hold close to my heart.”

She was hired by Louisburg as a graduate out of Washburn University, where she excelled on the volleyball court. Willer earned All-MIAA honors all four years and was a 2-time unanimous selection. She twice earned Academic All-American honors, was a two-time All-American and was the team MVP on two different occasions. 

The Wildcats will have several returning starters next season and Willer knows they will accomplish great things with whoever the new coach will be.

“I know that the Louisburg volleyball program is set up for success, and I know our upperclassmen heading into next year are ready to accomplish some amazing things,” Willer said “I will continue to be Louisburg’s biggest fan and will always celebrate Wildcat victories. I intend to do everything in my power to set up the next head coach to make this transition as smooth as possible.

“I just want to thank the Louisburg staff and administrators for taking a chance and hiring a college girl back in 2017 and providing the mentorship and opportunities for me to grow during my time at LHS. I have been challenged and supported in becoming a better teacher and coach, and I will never forget what being a Louisburg Wildcat has meant to me.”