Although the team’s first official game occurred in August, the season really began for the team in June with conditioning. The volleyball team’s player turnout for conditioning is one of the highest of all of the fall sports. At summer conditioning, the team is able to get to know the coaches, get into shape, and get ready for tryouts.
Once the regular season has begun, the team has three practices and two games each week, a very demanding schedule. Team captains Cora Bennett, 12, Alexis Grannen, 11, and Megan Hart, 12, have lead the team through a tough season schedule.
Although they did not end with a winning record, their season was filled with a lot more than just wins and losses.
“We have learned so much from this season and I am really proud of how we worked together as a team. I am really going to miss all of my teammates,” said Bennett.
One of the team’s strongest players, Fanta Kouyate, 12, has recieved attention at the collegiate level. She is looking to be recruited from many teams across the nation.
“Some of the schools I have been talking to include Akron, Mercyhurst and Western Nebraska. I am really excited about playing in college and it is awesome that my team has helped me get this far,” said Kouyate.
That being said, the team has many strong juniors who are looking to step up and lead the team next season after the seniors graduate. Juniors Maddy Bauder, Makayla Stover, and Grannen are looking forward to make the 2017 season a great one.
“I’m definitely looking forward to next season. There’s a lot of improvements that can be made and we have a lot of talent from JV coming up, so with hard work and focus I think we can do well next year. It’s really exciting to have so much potential and see what our program can do with it. Hoping for the best,” said Grannen.