Coach’s Comments: "Jessi is a strong and intelligent DS/Libero with much experience and exceptional ball control. She comes to Cowley with high energy, strong coachability, high volleyball IQ, passion for the game, great reading skills, strong serve receive skills, and aggressive play on defense that just has that 'wow' factor."

 

2024 (Sophomore): First season at Cowley.

 

2023 (Freshman): Iowa Western Community College. Played in 93 sets...averaged 0.58 digs per set and recorded 30 service aces. 

 

Before Cowley: Prepped at Lansing High School where she played four seasons of volleyball. In her senior season, she led her team to a 27-10 record. During the season, she totaled 340 digs at 3.7 digs per set (leading her team in both categories) and totaled 25 aces. For her efforts, she was named VKC All-Conference Honorable Mention. In her junior season, she led her team to the 5A Kansas State Volleyball Championship with a 40-1 record. During the season, she averaged 1.5 digs per set and had 22 aces. She transfers to Cowley from NJCAA DI Iowa Western Community College after serving as defensive specialist for the program. The program reached the Midwest District B finals before falling to Mineral Area College. They finished the season ICCAC Region 11 and Midwest District B runner-up. Off the court, Ritchhart also competed in track for two years where she served as a sprinter. In 2021, she qualified for state in both the 4 x 100 and 200 and 400 individuals. That same year, she led her relay team to the 5A Kansas State Track 4 x 100 Championship. In the event, her team set a school record and recorded the fastestest women's time out all classes in Kansas that year with her serving as the anchor. In academics, she was named to the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, Kays Volunteer Org, Academic Letter holder, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. At Iowa Western, she was a IWCC Presidential Scholar.