Strong set of returners will bolster Bulldog volleyball team
Members of the MFL MarMac volleyball team include (front, left to right) Summer Schutte, Brinan Berger, Rachel Davis, Jayde Schubert; (middle) manager Saysha Schoulte, RoseMary McGeough, Megan Lang, Ashley Weaver, Taylor Berns; (back) Riley Moreland, Bailey Winter, Josie Kleinow and Lexy Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Megan Howe Designs)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
MFL MarMac head volleyball coach Kelly Winter hopes familiarity will lead her team to victory this season.
“We have most of our returning starters back this season,” she said. “They have played together for awhile now, and are aware of their teammates’ abilities.”
Among those key returners are seniors Jayde Schubert, Josie Kleinow and Summer Schutte. The team also features a strong junior class, including RoseMary McGeough, Brinan Berger, Bailey Winter, Megan Lang, Taylor Berns, Rachel Davis and Ashley Weaver.
“Each of them could play a spot on the court on any given night,” said Winter, “and that will give us some strong options each night we play.”
Two underclassmen—freshman Riley Moreland and sophomore Lexy Johnson—have also fought their way onto the varsity roster.
“I feel they will contribute nicely with a little guidance from the veterans on the team,” Winter remarked.
As the season progresses, Winter said MFL MarMac will need to keep working on communicating on the court, as well as staying active in the weight room. Players will have the perfect opportunity to get stronger, she noted, with the help of new assistant and freshman coach, Tera Mathis, who also coaches people in mindset, movement and nutrition training. A “Bigger Faster Stronger” program is offered as an elective during the school day, as well, allowing students to work on their strength and conditioning.
Winter, who’s now in her second season as head coach, will be joined by second-year assistant Megan Schellhorn, in addition to Mathis. She said she’s proud of the dedication her team has shown throughout the year. Players were busy in the weight room over the summer and also participated in the summer league at Hoffman Hall, in Prairie du Chien.
“They don’t mind working hard to get better, and that is exciting at every level,” Winter said.
MFL MarMac started its season this week, with a home match-up against Cascade, Western Dubuque on Tuesday, Aug. 21. They’ll then face Waukon, Maquoketa Valley and Lisbon before beginning Upper Iowa Conference play at West Central on Sept. 6.
“I think we have a tough start to our schedule,” Winter noted, “but we would rather start out seeing what level we need to play at to compete with good teams than settling for an easy win.”
