By Chris Parker
Spokane volleyball had its best season in almost a decade last year posting 21 wins in head coach Erin Mitchem’s first season.
“When I took over this program a little over a year ago, I immediately knew we had the athletes and some of the hardest working kids I have been around,” Mitchem said. “The thing they needed the most work on was technique, disciplined defense, and higher volleyball IQ. When we started training in June of 2022, they absorbed what I was teaching them very quickly. They are competitors and were ready to put Spokane back on the volleyball map.”
Things continue to look up for the program entering Year 2 under Mitchem.
“Our athletes have bought into the style of volleyball the coaching staff has been teaching them,” Mitchem said. “They know the expectation of every touch of the ball. They hold themselves to the highest standard. When I walk into the gym now, I feel like these girls know the game. Their understanding of volleyball and anticipation of the next play has improved tremendously. We talk a lot about training in the offseason. This past offseason, every single player continued training by playing club volleyball, taking private lessons, or working with trainers. This group of kids is a completely different team than they were last summer.”
This year’s team returns eight players who saw action in at least 89 sets last season led by returning all-conference selections Sydney Bryan, Allison Czhacowski and Emrie Butler.
Bryan was a versatile weapon for Spokane, leading the team in assists with 443 while finishing second in kills (278) and digs (246). She returns to setter and as a hitter on the front row.
“Syd is a pure athlete. She can play any position on the floor very well. She is fast, has a powerful arm swing, and has the ability to take over any game. She is a huge part of every play,” Mitchem said. “My expectations for Sydney are to be a leader on the court; be dominant in the front row and put up consistent sets for our hitters. She will push the other players around her to play at a high level. She will step up in the big moments and deliver.”
Czhacowski led the team in kills with 287. She will move around seeing time at outside hitter, middle and even some back row.
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“Allie gets the game. She knows what it takes to score and knows there is pressure on her to make the big plays happen. She is very disciplined and works hard in every aspect of our training. Being one of our go-to hitters, Allie gets set a lot. She has a variety of shots and has improved her control on the ball. She is a great leader for our team,” Mitchem said.
Butler, a junior outside hitter, was an honorable mention all-conference selection last season. She put down 126 kills.
“Emrie is going to have a huge impact on the team this season,” Mitchem said. “She has become one of our team’s best serve-receive and defensive players as well as the ability to score from the outside.”
Anna Brunner (junior middle hitter), Hannah Evans (junior libero), Makenzie Teague (senior right side), Adelynn Baxter (senior outside/right side), Rylee Essick (senior defensive specialist) and Makenna Gideon (junior defensive specialist/setter) also return to the varsity lineup.
Mitchem on Brunner: “Anna’s athleticism and level of play are a big reason why we will compete at a high level this year. She is now a school record holder in all of our blocking categories. Her potential is unmatched. She continues to improve and is a very powerful hitter. Anna also brings charisma to the team.”
Mitchem on Evans: “Hannah’s defense and read on the ball will be crucial for our success this season. She has been working on a new serve receive technique that has raised the level of her game. Her quickness on the back row will frustrate many teams.”
Mitchem on Teague: “Mak brings calmness and consistency to the court. She knows her role and does exactly what the team needs from her. She blocks well and scores from the right side. She is also a positive teammate and always has great feedback for the team.”
Mitchem on Baxter: “Adelynn will see time in every position on the front row. She is quick and has a high vertical. She has a heavy arm swing and plays wherever she is needed. She works hard and can put balls away in big moments.”
Mitchem on Essick: “Rylee has been improving her serve-receive and defense very much over the past year. She will go in and make the pass when we need her. She is one of our team’s best leaders in all aspects. Rylee is a huge part of the culture of our team.”
Mitchem on Gideon: “Makenna is one of the hardest working people in the gym every day. She will be transitioning this season into a defensive specialist. Her quickness and defense on the court have earned her that spot. She has the ability to get to balls many others cannot. Makenna will also set when we need her to.”
Sophomores Callie Terrell (setter), Mackenzie Melton (middle/right side) and Madeline Hardee (outside hitter) along with Olivia Christenson (outside hitter/defensive specialist) will be newcomers to watch.
Mitchem on Terrell: “Callie has been developing into a great setter. Her tempo and location on the ball will help our team accomplish many of our goals this season.”
Mitchem on Melton: “Kenzie has been working hard in the off season to become a more dominant hitter. She has a quick block and arm swing. She will see time across the front row.”
Mitchem on Hardee: “Maddie is a very consistent, hardworking player. She will step in and make plays when we need her to. She has been improving many aspects of her game.”
Mitchem on Christenson: “Olivia can play anywhere. Her primary focus will be defense. She is a quick player and an awesome teammate. She understands the game.”
The upperclassmen and the experience they bring will be Spokane’s biggest strength.
“Our biggest strength will be our senior and junior leadership and team chemistry,” Mitchem said. “We have built a strong connection with each other and have the desire to compete and win. Our drive will take us far.”
Spokane opens a season that has the potential to be special on Aug. 25 at School of the Ozarks.
“This group of athletes at Spokane right now are very special,” Mitchem said. “Not only are they becoming great volleyball players, but they are phenomenal human beings. We all love showing up to practice, players and coaches included. Our team chemistry is something we focus on, and we understand how important it is. We are all proud to be from Spokane.”
