Last year, the girls’ volleyball team celebrated a major milestone: securing their first district championship since 1999. This season, they’re aiming higher, setting their sights on a state title. 

Entering their second year under the leadership of head coach Rebekah McCloud, their goals are clear: have a winning season and advance to the state competition in Cape Girardeau, MO. To achieve this, they focus on key principles both on and off the court. 

“We have been working on having a positive mindset, individually and as a team,” McCloud said. “We also have been trying to be more explosive in our approaches, excel in serve receive, minimize serving errors and put the ball in smart spots. If we are able to do all these things and do them well, we have a very good chance of winning districts again.”

LeAnn Krechely (11), an outside hitter in her second year playing with the varsity team, has great expectations for their success.

“I am extremely excited to see how this season plays out, especially with the district and state competitions,” Krechely said. “I think we all have a lot of potential. Everybody just has to play together and work [cooperatively].”

The team holds a record of 7-11-1 as of Sept. 25. Each game, whether win or loss, the players embrace the results and make use of it as an opportunity for improvement.

“The games have been going well because each match teaches us something new that we can grow from,” McCloud said. “We have learned how to communicate better, play smarter and much more.”