By Dana Harding
Glendale volleyball enjoyed a banner season in 2023.
The Falcons posted a 22-7 record, falling to Republic in the district tournament. Last year’s campaign marked the first 20-win season in the past eight years for the program.
“We definitely exceeded expectations last year,” head coach Iceley Stieb said. “Our varsity worked very hard to be successful and to help build our program to new expectations. We had a great season that was filled with a lot of great moments. We had the talent and the capabilities to go a long way last year. Unfortunately, we were in a very tough district and had a heartbreaking early loss in the postseason.”
The good news is Glendale will have the opportunity to build on its 2023 success this season.
The not-so-good news?
Stieb has had to completely overhaul the roster over the summer, as the Falcons graduated a whopping nine players from that squad, including all-state libero Tatum Kuntz.
“We are starting fresh this season with losing nine seniors last year and returning one starter,” Stieb said. “We have a blank canvas that is ready to be filled with eager and hungry players ready to earn those spots. We have a lot of learning to do this season with varsity inexperience, but I am confident that these girls will adjust quickly and be competitive.”
The Falcons will look to their lone returning starter to lead the attack this season in senior Emma Hawkins.
A right-side hitter and setter, Hawkins tallied 30 blocks and 114 assists.
“Emma will be a big asset to us this season with her key varsity experience and leadership,” Stieb said. “We look to her to be a huge key leader and role player for us this year. Her hitting, blocking and setting will be crucial for us this year to run an effective system. Emma will play the right side and provide a solid and strong hit for us on every ball.”
Opportunities abound for a host of varsity newcomers this season, as ten key Falcons will compete for starting spots and impact roles on the court.
Makenna Liming – Senior middle hitter
“Makenna will be a key hitter for us this season,” Stieb said. “She is a strong force on the front row and does a great job setting up a solid block and getting a kill for us. Makenna is a hard worker and is willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.”
Katie Askren – Senior outside hitter
“Katie will be a key outside hitter in our offense this season,” Stieb said. “Katie has a solid and strong swing that will help us get some kills this season.”
Lydia Banwart – Senior libero/defensive specialist
“Lydia is coming in this season to make a big impact on the back row,” Stieb said. “Lydia is a smart and versatile player that puts all her energy into making sure she does her job on the court. Lydia brings a positive energy and willingness to do what the team needs of her.”
Mary Sung – Senior defensive specialist
“Mary is a solid defensive player on the court,” Stieb said. “She will do a great job reading the ball and making big plays for us this season. Mary does a good job setting up a solid pass to run our offense.”
Elle Givens – Sophomore middle hitter
“Elle will play a big role for us this season,” Stieb said. “She is coming in strong and ready to play. Elle will do a great job putting a ball down for us and getting the kills we need. Elle is very aggressive at the net and makes great plays for us on the block. We look for Elle to be a big role player for us this season.”
Klaire Miner – Junior setter
“Klaire is coming in as a setter for us this season,” Stieb said. “Klaire does a great job running an effective offense and knowing where to set the ball. Klaire is a very scrappy player that will make big plays for us this year. Klaire is very knowledgeable on the court and knows the game of volleyball. Her knowledge will be a huge asset for us this season.”
Connar Deterding – Junior outside hitter
“Connar does a great job placing the ball to get a good kill for us every time,” Stieb said. “She is constantly learning and growing her game to be the best player she can be on the court. Connar does a great job being positive and loves to cheer on her teammates.”
Ady Buzbee – Junior defensive specialist
“Ady is one of our more versatile players,” Stieb said. “She provides a strong defense and is incredibly fast and scrappy. Ady does a great job providing a solid pass for us to run a solid offense. Her defensive and passing skills have improved from last year and she will provide a solid pass for us to run an effective offense.”
Lylah Vestal – Junior right side/middle hitter
“Lylah is a solid versatile hitter and can put a ball down for us,” Stieb said. “Lylah works very hard on the court and is putting up some solid hits and blocks. Lylah brings some energy to the court and brings a big presence.”
Ella Shulte – Junior right side hitter
“Ella is a strong hitter for us on the right side,” Stieb said. “Her height and athleticism help her to be able to put a ball down and set up a good block for our defense. Ella has the capability to be a strong hitter for us this season.”
With so many new faces and little varsity experience on the roster, Stieb expects development to be a season-long process for her squad.
“We have a blank slate this season,” Stieb said. “We may or may not have a solid set lineup for a while, and we might be doing a new lineup every night. These girls are versatile and can play any position. I see us running a 6-2 on offense with a libero somewhere in the mix. We could potentially have a lot of subs this year, as we don’t have a lot of players that can play all the way around.”
Hawkins and Miner will be tasked with running Glendale’s offensive attack this season from the setter positions.
“Emma and Klaire will be our key setters this season,” Stieb said. “Emma brings varsity experience and leadership, while Klaire brings the eagerness to make our team successful. Both of these girls do an outstanding job of knowing the court and their hitters. They are able to place the ball and run an effective offense.”
Glendale has plenty of talent on its roster; however, its lack of varsity experience will pose a significant challenge early on in the season, according to Stieb.
“It’s a big level change when you step on the varsity court,” Stieb said. “I think just adjusting to a quicker pace and a more advanced game might slow us down a bit. I know the team is ready to fill these roles, and I think after the first few weeks we will be confident in each other to be a solid team.”
One item the Falcons will not find lacking heading into the fall campaign is pure enthusiasm for one another and for the game, in general.
“This is a special group of girls,” Stieb said. “The first moment we took the court this summer, I could tell this was going to be a fun group to coach this season. They love playing together and want to be successful. They genuinely love the game of volleyball and want to see our program be successful. They have worked hard to create a fun culture and just truly love the game of volleyball.”
Following an Aug. 27 home jamboree, Glendale opens its season Sep. 3 at home against Hillcrest.
