New coach leading GC volleyballers

By Kelsie Hoitomt

GLENWOOD CITY – With a new head coach and four seniors leading the Glenwood City Volleyball team, the Hilltoppers look to improve on their 1-8 conference record from last year.

Stephanie Briggs is not only a new elementary teacher, but she is also the newest face on the volleyball court as she took over the head coach position this year.

Briggs along with assistant coach Beth Lewis and seniors Kenzie Kruse, Kayla Bloss, Kelly Perkins and Katelyn Meyers having been working together to bring forth a strong volleyball team that is to be a contender in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference.

Leading the varsity squad is Kruse who was chosen as team captain this year and she was captain last season as well and the teams’ main setter.

Kruse, Perkins and Meyers are returning letter winners on the team. Them along with Bloss are strong players that are versatile on the court and each has a hard work ethic and positive attitude that is shining through to the other players.

Also returning to the court with a letter and varsity experience are Megan Samens and Mikaela Voeltz.

“Voeltz is a possible libero as she is a hard worker that was successful as a passer last year. Samens is only a junior, but is a strong left-side hitter that also is an all around excellent leader and player that plays around the entire court,” explained Briggs.

Despite coming off a season with only one win and a loss in the first round of playoffs, the Hilltoppers have a great deal of excitement about this upcoming season, which seems to be their biggest strength.

“We are excited for a new season and have already built a strong, supportive team environment, which will allow for all players at any level to grow. I believe we can all continue to work on effective communication and avoid second guessing our choices on the court. We need to increase our confidence when taking the ball as well,” said Briggs of their strengths and weaknesses.

As a team, their goals this season are to improve their conference record through increasing their serving to 100 percent accuracy and also increase their passing skills so the ball can be set up for more attacks.

The Hilltoppers had their first game this Tuesday (August 24) in Prairie Farm and will be back on the court on September 5 in Ellsworth.