Volleyball Team Prepares for Upcoming Season
Launch the media gallery 1 playerBy: Kennedy Settje, a junior at Leigh High School
After a fun and exciting volleyball season last year, the Patriots are ready to take on another year. Hopeful to start and finish the whole season despite Covid-19, the 22 Clarkson-Leigh Patriots have gotten back to practice.
On August 10th, two--a-days begin for this year’s squad, and they haven’t looked back since.
“I am really excited to finally be able to play again,” said senior returning starter Kayden Schumacher. “We didn’t get to play all summer, so it has felt good to get back in the gym. I think our team is flowing well, and we have a lot to look forward to this season.”
Last year was a roller coaster season for the Patriots. They started the season off strong and did well, but they had their fair share of “down” moments as well, including an end-of-the season losing streak. But they battled through their slump and prepared for districts with high hopes of a state run only to have their hopes dashed by a strong Lutheran High Northeast team in sub-districts.
Parents and family got a first look at this year’s Patriot squad at their annual Gatorade scrimmage held on August 20.
The first three sets of the night were played with a mix of players on each team. Teams were split evenly for the best competition possible. The fourth set was played varsity vs JV. All players had a great time getting some extra reps in and allowing our parents, grandparents, and siblings to watch what they could expect when the season comes along.
The Patriots have high hopes for the season ahead with six returning starters coming back to lead the charge along with more upperclassmen and a solid group of underclassmen backing them up. All players will have an important role in this team going far.
This year’s team includes seniors Grace Baumert, Cassidy Hoffman, Alissa Kasik, Bailey Lemburg, and Kayden Schumacher; juniors Natalie Brabec, Melissa Brabec, Bailie Graybill, Makenna Held, Madison Noonan, Kennedy Settje, and McKenna Stodola; sophomores Jessica Hoffman, Ella Kappel, Sammy McEvoy, and Korbee Wendt; and freshmen Macy Clausen, Gracie Eisenmann, Alyssa Gurnsey, Chloe Hanel, Tanyn Larson, and Addison McAtee.
The girls are coached by Becky Schneider and assisted by KC Hegemann and Jennifer Remmereid.
Coach Schneider said she is “ecstatic” about the outlook of the season.
“We have an outstanding group of girls who continue to work hard and push themselves to be better at every practice,” Schneider said. “At the varsity level, we return 6 players who bring a lot of varsity experience, and who have shown tremendous growth and leadership over the summer!
“Our underclassmen are taking strides to improve every day as we are looking to fill spots at each level! The girls love to compete and are chomping at the bit to play some matches, which is awesome to see, we just hope we're able to have a complete season without any interruptions!”
After their Jamboree game against Lakeview on August 25, look forward to the Patriots in action for their first regular season game in Clarkson on September 1 against Howells-Dodge.