January 2, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Kaiser’s positivity a plus on court

Lacey Kaiser is a positive presence on the volleyball court.

So much so, that her coach Abby McDonald nominated her for St. Joseph-Ogden Student-Athlete of the month.

“Lacey is one of the greatest kids I’ve ever coached,” said McDonald. “She works hard and is the true definition of a teammate.”

McDonald said Kaiser’s positivity is a key to her success.

“Lacey is one of the most positive kids on the court,” McDonald said. “She has been willing to play any position on varsity and she has the best interests of the team at heart.”

For her part, Kaiser said it was an honor to be nominated as student-athlete of the month.

“To know my handwork and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said. “I wouldn’t be the player I am today without my coaches and teammates I have had throughout the years.”

Kaiser said the best part of being a student-athlete at SJO is the amount of support the athletes get throughout the community.

“This was seen when we held a benefit for teammate, Anna Wentzloff,” she said.

Kaiser said the most difficult part of being a student-athlete as managing school work and sports. Kaiser, who plans on majoring in nursing in college and hopes to continuing playing volleyball, said she enjoys any math class taught by Kiel Duval or Kelly Steffen.

“Because of the enthusiasm they have for their students to learn,” she said.

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