There is a sense of familiarity for the Aberdeen Christian volleyball team heading into the upcoming season.
The Knights will be led by four seniors this fall as coach Sally Stoebner returns for her second season with the team.
“We have more people in the gym than last year, which is awesome and good to see, but our four seniors are definitely going to lead the charge,” Stoebner said. “Most of our starters are returning from last year, and I think we have a lot of confidence going into this season.”
Those seniors are Peyton Skarin, Jolie Fogarty, Sawyer Schwan, and Sophie Glynn. Stoebner noted that Glynn was at basic training this summer.
The front row will be feature a pair of power hitters in Ari Johnson and Reagan Jett.
While Christian lost a key member of its backrow defense, Mia Ramirez has returned to the program to help fill the void.
“She’ll be a good strong addition to our backrow as well as Jaci Fogarty,” Stoebner said. “She got some minutes last year.”
Stoebner is expecting major contributions from Jett this season.
“She has grown tremendously over the off season,” Stoebner said. “I’m really, really, really excited to see her. I think she can carry a big load this season.”
Stoebner notices a change heading into her sophomore coaching campaign.
“It does feel a lot different from last year. I think last year we kind of had a slow start, just in the sense of getting to know all of them, what they need, what I need from them,” Stoebner said. “But, it’s been a lot of fun working with them this summer and just continuing to grow with the people that we have.”
Look for the Knights to continue to be aggressive at the service line again this season.
“I preach to my team, the two most important skills are passing and serving,” Stoebner said. “We serve 10 minutes every single day, but I don’t say just go serve with a partner. They are hitting zones. We pride ourselves on our serving and keeping teams out of system, even if we’re not getting aces.”
Stoebner will be assisted this season by former player Chloe Bosma. They plan to pay attention to every detail in practice in order to help the squad reach its full potential in matches.
“We’re going to start taking stats in practice, seeing where we can improve,” Stoebner said.
The Knights, who play in a region with some of the state’s premier programs, would like to make a strong postseason run, but Stoebner said the focus will be on improving from match to match.
“We do talk about goals. … but taking it one game at a time, really,” Stoebner said. “A lot of times you can look ahead, but one game can change the matter of postseason or not; just looking at the next game ahead.”
Christian opens its season on the road Thursday at Class B state runner-up Warner.
The former standout player for Northern State, Stoebner said she is already chomping at the bit ready to go.
“I’m still nervous, but I’ve always been that way,” Stoebner said. “I’m antsy and I’d rather just start playing right now.”
Stoebner likes what she has seen so far in practice and the potential that the Knights possess heading into the season.
“I think the biggest thing is we have to be confident, and we have to trust in the talents and the skills that God gave us,” Stoebner said. “I think if we lean on that and we lean on each other, we can beat any team.”
