For Shadle Park standout Josie Walser, volleyball runs in the genes

For the Walsers, volleyball is a family affair.

Shadle Park senior Josie Walser, a first team all-Greater Spokane League setter last year, has been around the game as long as she can remember.

Her mom, Kathy (Lewis) Walser, a 1983 Shadle Park graduate, started at outside hitter two seasons for the late Linda Sheridan and was a first team all-GSL selection. Her father, Roger Walser, a University grad, played for 34 years. He started on club teams while in college. Later, he was an assistant coach three seasons for Pam Parks at Eastern Washington University, and continues to coach club teams.

“I started playing club in fifth grade but I’ve grown up around the game,” Josie said.

She loves being a dual-threat weapon this season. She’s come a long way physically and emotionally since her freshman year.

A four-year starter, the 5-foot-11 Walser is splitting time this fall between setting and hitting. She’s consistently averaging the second-most kills.

Walser laughed when she recalled a shaky start her freshman year.

“I was scared to be on the court and was intimidated by the speed of the game,” Walser said.

She discovered it was quite a leap from middle school to varsity.

Shadle coach Brooke Meyer employs a quick-tempo attack. Walser was grateful to share the setting duties her freshman year because it allowed her an opportunity to make the transition to the offense and varsity.

Walser recalled a funny story from her early practices as a freshman.

“I used to say ‘sorry’ after every mistake,” Walser said. “Finally, one of my coaches said that if I said I was sorry again I’d have to run.”

Sure enough, Walser slipped. But instead of her having to run, the coach had her teammates run.

“I didn’t say sorry again,” Walser said.

Walser hit occasionally last year but Meyer needed her to hit more this season.

“We needed her in our offense because she’s one of our better hitters,” Meyer said.

Walser wants to play at the highest level possible in college. But interest has been limited so far.

“She seems to be under everybody’s radar and I’m not sure why,” Meyer said.

Walser is the full package. She carries a 3.96 grade-point average. She’s confident the perfect athletic and academic opportunity will come around.

Meyer, who said Walser is the model of hard work, is in her 18th year as Shadle’s coach. She puts Walser among her top three setters.

“Her coachability is incredible,” Meyer said. “I joke with her that I wish I could clone her. She’s a great teammate, always positive, always encourages her teammates. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her get down on her team at all.”

Walser wants to lead Shadle back to state for the first time since her freshman year when the Highlanders finished eighth after winning the Greater Spokane League championship.

She and four of the team’s seven seniors have been together on varsity for three years. Four have played together since fifth grade.

“We’re all driven toward one purpose and one goal,” Walser said. “We’re a lot more focused now instead of just playing a ball without purpose.”

The Highlanders opened the season by winning the title at the Kent-Meridian tournament and defeated Mt. Spokane, the league’s recent 3A power, in a nonleague match two weeks ago.

“We’ve always been told we had potential. Now we need to put it into action,” Walser said. “I’ve tasted state and I want to get back. If we get to state we can do well.”

Walser has more than just her family to thank for her development.

“I’m really fortunate to have the coaches I’ve had,” she said. “There have been a few times I’ve really struggled, and my coaches have helped me through.”

The GSL coaches picked Shadle to finish in the middle of the pack. Walser believes the Highlanders can exceed those expectations.

“There are a lot of really strong teams in the GSL,” Walser said. “For us, it just matters how we play. We can beat anyone.”