By Chris Parker
Spokane volleyball has a new head coach taking over in Erin Mitchem. Mitchem played for Spokane when she was in high school.
“I expect this year to be successful for Spokane volleyball,” Mitchem said. “After losing six varsity players from last season, we will be rebuilding, but this is just the team to take on that challenge. The girls are excited to be in the gym and are ready to work hard and learn. By the end of the season I expect this team to be a district contender.”
Kinzey Cooper (senior libero/outside hitter), Sydney Bryan (junior setter/outside hitter), Allie Czachowski (junior middle), Emrie Butler (sophomore outside hitter) and Makenna Gideon (sophomore setter) are the team’s returning players.
Cooper brings experience and leadership to the court. She was second on the team in serve receptions last year with 173.
Bryan earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore. She led the team with 425 assists while putting down 98 kills and finishing second on the team in digs with 235.
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Czachowski was also named honorable mention all-conference last season. She is the team’s top returning hitter after she posted 140 kills last year.
Butler and Gideon will each have much bigger roles this year after seeing limited varsity action as freshmen.
Natalie Sportsman (senior outside hitter), Makenzie Teague (junior middle/right side), Adelynn Baxter (junior middle/right side), Anna Brunner (sophomore middle) and Hannah Evans (sophomore defensive specialist) are newcomers to watch.
Mitchem on Sportsman: “Natalie has been working hard and will be a great addition to our outside hitters with a heavy swing.”
Mitchem on Teague: “Mak is a physical player that brings experience to our front row. We will depend on her for blocking and her offense.”
Mitchem on Baxter: “Adelynn is an athletic player that will bring offense and defense to our front row.”
Mitchem on Brunner: “Anna is an athletic middle and will be a huge part of our blocking this season.”
Mitchem on Evans: “Hannah is a very quick, hardworking player. Her back row play will be crucial in our success.”
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There will be a learning curve for everyone in Mitchem’s first year, but the Lady Owls are taking to her style well.
“As a new coach to Spokane I’m bringing a new coaching style,” Mitchem said. “These girls are adapting well. They are coachable. They bring a level of excitement and competition that will take them far this season.”
Spokane opens the regular season on Aug. 26 at home against the School of the Ozarks.
