I had the pleasure of speaking with Danielle Stowell of KC Power, who shared some exciting insights into the club’s recent merger with KC Challenge, their new state-of-the-art facility at Bluhawk, and the inspiring history that’s shaped KC Power’s growth. Since its founding in 1997, KC Power has grown from a single team to one of Kansas City’s premier volleyball clubs, known for its strong values and commitment to player development. Now, this new chapter with KC Challenge opens up incredible opportunities for athletes in the Heart of America region, creating a powerful force in the Kansas City volleyball scene.
Volleyball in Kansas City just got a major boost with the exciting merge of KC Power and KC Challenge! This powerful partnership brings together two clubs with shared values, driven by a commitment to honest communication and a deep passion for the sport. KC Power’s journey has been a testament to growth, dedication, and a shared love for volleyball, and this next chapter with KC Challenge promises even more opportunities for young athletes in Kansas City.
The Beginning of a New Partnership
This merge didn’t happen overnight. Phillip Ozias and Danielle Stowell had worked well together since they first shared a facility back in 2019. Both faced the challenge of securing consistent practice space, especially as smaller clubs, and were committed to finding a permanent home for all the teams. Merging was a natural next step, enabling them to expand and secure a long-term lease at the incredible Bluhawk facility. For Stowell, KC Power has been a journey from the very beginning. She joined Power when they were just a single team in 2001, following the club’s founding by Gwenn Pike in 1997. Through nearly 20 years, Power grew steadily, staying under 10 teams until just two years ago when they expanded to 16. Now, with the merger, they are at an amazing 35 teams—a true testament to the club’s dedication to growth without sacrificing quality.
The Ups and Downs of Transition
Of course, any big move comes with challenges, and the transition was no exception. Securing a facility had been a mission for over five years, and Stowell was rejected from 42 different locations before finding Bluhawk. There were times she’d get all the way to the permitting stage, only for things to fall through. Keeping the merger with Ozias and KC Challenge under wraps for almost a year was tough. They wanted to keep the process smooth for the current season, but not being able to share the plans with the Power family was hard. “I’m so grateful for their trust through all the ups and downs, and now, seeing everything come together, I couldn’t be prouder.”
What’s Next for KC Power?
“Our mission is to maintain high standards of training and competition for every athlete while staying true to our roots. We’ve always been about treating each player with respect and fostering open, honest communication. That family feel we’ve had since our beginnings is something we intend to hold onto, even as we grow.
This is an incredible time to be involved in volleyball. With the rise of professional leagues in the U.S., young athletes now have the chance to see elite players in action right at home. Our coaches are some of the best, truly dedicated to their work, and they’re excited to bring that energy to this new era for KC Power.”
Joining Forces with LOVB
When discussing KC Power’s growth and future, Danielle Stowell highlighted the importance of their partnership with League One Volleyball (LOVB). This collaboration, she explained, has not only expanded opportunities for KC Power but has also aligned with their commitment to supporting women’s volleyball at every level.
“Back in 2019, Gwenn and I started talking with League One Volleyball (LOVB) as we prepared for her retirement. We knew growth was essential to securing a facility, and LOVB’s commitment to advancing women’s volleyball through a U.S. pro league resonated with us. Being part of LOVB has connected me with other clubs across the country, a valuable network for sharing best practices, especially in Kansas City’s competitive volleyball scene. The LOVB partnership offers great fundraising opportunities, strong recruiting support for our athletes, mentorship programs, and was crucial in helping us secure Bluhawk.”
Welcome to Bluhawk: KC Power’s New Home
Bluhawk is a state-of-the-art facility, unlike anything Kansas City has seen. Besides an on-site hockey rink, speed and agility training center, bowling alleys, and even zip lines, Bluhawk houses eight practice courts and 16 courts for tournaments. It’s more than a facility; it’s a space for athletes to come together, grow, and be part of a community. “I’m thrilled for KC Power to call Bluhawk home and to bring this incredible resource to Kansas City’s volleyball community.”
As KC Power and KC Challenge join forces, the future looks brighter than ever for young athletes in Kansas City. Danielle Stowell and Phillip Ozias have built this partnership on a foundation of trust, dedication, and shared goals, all while ensuring the club’s core values remain strong. With a permanent home at Bluhawk, an expanded roster of 35 teams, and a community-driven approach, KC Power is set to lead the way in developing top volleyball talent. With all these exciting changes, KC Power is ready to elevate Kansas City’s volleyball community to new heights, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic club