Bearcats Focus on Teamwork and Leadership Growth
The H&H Bearcat volleyball team: Front row, L to R – Amanda Goerzten, Madalyn Janzen, Khloe Luebbe, Kynleigh Joseph, Jillian Farris; Middle row – Avery Heibner, Jada Quiring, Atleigh Klute, Ashlyn Friesen, Kali Barta, Sophie Minary, Julia Tessman, Ashlyn Rotter, Laykn Quiring, Lydia Holtorf; Back row – Braelyn Klooster, Paizley Dennis, Maylie Friesen, Isabelle Buller, Willabelle Panko, Paisley Joseph (2), Sydney Rempel (33) Katelyn Farrall (4) Kate Haidle (12) Keely Burgess (20) — behind number 2 — Trinity Mooney, Kayleigh Frisbie, Stella Spirk – photo couresty Cody Farrall photography
The H&H Bearcat Volleyball team had a great summer of camps, lifting, and league play, according to second-year head coach Kayla Gaughon. They are primed for their second season in the Hampton/Heartland sports co-op, with 28 girls out. Assistant coaches are Ashton Brown and Tahya Helzer.
“The girls have been so motivated, and we’ve had 90% or more weight room attendance, with four girls at 100%. We had a really good summer team camp at UNK and a good showing in the Centennial summer league that was weekly for three weeks,” said Coach Gaughon.
On Monday, August 10, the team started its first practices of the season, and like last year, they will alternate practicing between Hampton and Heartland. During the summer, they worked on teamwork and leadership growth, according to Coach Gaughon.
“Our team chemistry is so great this year, making it fun to come to practice. During the summer, the girls built a puzzle together by earning puzzle pieces to put up on the wall and voting for “Impact” players of the week.” She said no matter who is playing, they get along and are motivated.
The five seniors on the team have really embraced their leadership role in guiding their younger teammates. “We have a really talented and athletic group of nine incoming freshmen that have helped elevate our practices,” said Coach Gaughon.
Summer was busy, with many varsity team members showing up to assist with volleyball camps held for elementary and junior high girls. She was impressed with the large number of girls who volunteered at the camps. “It was just really good for the youth to see them wanting to help and be there.”
“I’m hoping that we can transfer our team chemistry and leadership into pressure situations in competitive play,” said Coach Gaughon. During the summer, she has moved many players into different positions, seeing their potential.
Coach Gaughon hasn’t named any positions yet, but she said some experienced players like Chloe Luebbe, Ashlyn Roder, and Katie Farrall will be important defensively in the back row. Junior outside hitter Sophie Minary and junior middle blocker Katie Farrall both earned All-Conference Honorable Mention last season and will provide firepower for the Bearcats. Senior Maddie Janzen is a returning starter for the Bearcats and will be a key contributor.
The Bearcats finished last season with 4-25 but hope to improve and learn how to finish and win some of the close ones that got away from them last year. They will start the season with a triangular at Shelby with Twin River on August 27th.
