The lady wolverines are back to uphold their champion reputation, which might take a little rebuilding considering how many seniors they lost last year.
Last season the team took first place in the league’s independent championship. Sam Atoa, who is coming into double digits as the head volleyball coach for his 10th year said, “We did lose some key people that were significant to us last year in the middle, outside, and also on the right side.”
There are two returning seniors to the team Kristi Lindley of Idaho Falls, and Camie Manwill who will actually be sitting redshirt for this season because of an injury. Expectations are high for those who have experience with the team.
“Kristi, our setter, being the sole senior on our team,” Atoa said, “I do expect her to lead and to run the offense better than she did last year.”
Other players to look out for this year will be junior Allyce Wilson.
“She is a go-getter . and a very aggressive player.”
Also returning freshman Kayli Broadbent, who has the most experience playing the outside, will be another important role in the team’s success this season.
As for the rest of the team, we are going to be seeing some new faces.
One of these is freshman Chelsey Garfield of Morgan Utah, who will be playing outside hitter for the Wolverines. Garfield is confident the team is well prepared to head into its first game next week.
“We went to Park City last week and have been doing two-a-days this week,” said Garfield. “We also did a team retreat, which was cool to get to know the girls.”
“We have some great young ladies,” said Atoa, speaking of the new freshman. Right now most of the work involves incorporating the team’s system and getting everyone playing with the same goals and ideas.
Right now there is a lot of scrimmaging and competition taking place to get ready for Friday’s game versus the University of Utah.
“Playing them to open the season will be a huge challenge,” Atoa said. “But we are looking forward to it, and hopefully by the time we get there we will be able to step up to the challenge and compete well.”
