Scotties Place Fourth at Volleyball Divisionals

The season has ended, the gym has gone temporarily quiet and tears were shed in the locker room.

These, however, were not tears of regret. There was absolutely nothing regrettable about this volleyball season! Twelve completely engaged young ladies fought with all their hearts - they have the bruises and injuries to prove they left it all on the court. They also have the pride that surfaces only when you have done your very best.

Having finished fourth at Divisionals, we didn't quite achieve our dream of going to State but when the dust settled and our amazingly supportive and raucous crowd dispersed, our tears eventually began to migrate toward laughter and bragging rights about accomplishments. I was once again reminded of what a privilege it has been to coach these girls for the past three months.

The support of their families also cannot be overstated. Class acts, all of them, and for this contribution, I am so grateful.

It's difficult to come up with managers. This year I had two fantastic ones with Keirsten and Tavia.

As for my co-coaches, for their unfailing support and steady stream of knowledge, I cannot begin to thank Somer, Lacey and Natalie enough. I would be lost without them.

Two days later, reflections show that the Scotties are still big winners. 5'9 Rachel shut down their 6'1 middle hitter single-handedly so many times and swung for kills like there wasn't a blocker in sight; 5'5 Rikki solo stuffed a fierce 5'9 attacker in addition to efficiently helping run her team and contributing equally as an unparalleled attacker and feared server; Lauren, Jasmine, Katie, Lexi and Baylie handled fierce serves with confidence, served some killers of their own including long streaks peppered with aces, and dished out tough defense in games and practice every day; Kiauna, who flies under the radar until you see her jump, showed everyone that bigger isn't always better; Jesi and Hannah kept the offense going by swiping shots past aggressive and frustrated middle blockers; Teagan helped lead her team in word and action, creating chaos for opposing blockers, fear in the hearts of those receiving serve and a state of zen for her own team; and Khloe accepted all challenges, coming up with stunning offensive and defensive plays combined with an intimidating jump serve to constantly rally the team.

All of this happened against a team that won the right to play at State!

So while I'm sad that this group will never play for me again in its entirety, I'm extraordinarily proud of our accomplishments.

Numerous referees and parents of opposing teams sought me out after the match and complimented our team on their excellent sportsmanship, tireless defense and incredibly diverse offense.

That's why I love these girls like my own.