By Chris Parker
Spokane volleyball continued its ascension last season by posting a 33-5 record after being just three seasons removed from a six-win campaign.
“Last season our team was led by a couple of very strong leaders that demanded the best from their teammates,” Spokane head coach Erin Mitchem said. “Our team learned to trust one another and played their individual roles very well. We improved our game on offense and defense and the record reflected that.”
The senior class featured five players who saw varsity sets led by all-state selection Sydney Bryan and first-team all-conference selection Allie Czachowski.
Plenty of talent returns this season seeking the program’s first district title since 2013.
“That district title is always the goal,” Mitchem said. “We are going through the necessary changes and getting used to new positions that will help lead us to that goal. We are focusing on being aggressive and making mental toughness a priority.”
Three all-conference seniors return in Anna Brunner, Hannah Evans and Emrie Butler.
Brunner was second on the team with 274 kills last season. She is the only returning player who had more than 54 kills in 2023. The senior middle is also a force at the net where she had 132 total blocks.
“Anna is stepping into the go-to role. She will be a vital piece to our success this season. She knows she is responsible for any ball close to the net while also being one of the leaders on the court,” Mitchem said. “Anna is very athletic with a high vertical. She has a very quick arm swing and natural instincts. Anna is a very high level player and continues to get better every day.”
Evans (libero/DS) and Butler (outside hitter) were dynamic defensively for Spokane last season finishing 1-2 in both digs and serve receptions.
“Hannah and Emrie both are constantly working on perfecting their technique to be the best passers in the gym. They have spent many hours making sure they are getting a good read on the ball putting themselves in the best position to get digs,” Mitchem said. “Both of them will be stepping into leadership roles this season. Hannah is the spark of the team with her excitement after each play. Emrie brings the calmness that leads us through tough games.”
Senior Makenna Gideon returns to bolster the defense as a defensive specialist and libero. She saw action in 98 sets last season and had 141 digs and 143 serve receptions.
“(Gideon) will play a huge part in the success of our team,” Mitchem said. “She will outwork anyone in the gym. Her speed and ability to read the game has put her in the starting lineup.”
Bryan led the team in assists last season, but not far behind her was junior setter Callie Terrell who had 305 assists.
“(Terrell) will take on the primary setting role for our team,” Mitchem said. “Callie has worked hard on the physical and mental aspects of setting. She will be the quarterback of our team, and she is ready for the task.”
Makenzie Melton will be a middle and outside hitter coming off a sophomore season where she played 80 sets.
“(Melton) will be seeing time in the middle and outside,” Mitchem said. “Her athleticism makes her a very versatile player. We will be looking to her to score many points.”
Maddie Hardee (OH/RS), Ella Christenson (M/RS), Hannah Finstad (OH), Chezney Lee (S), Halie Skutt (DS), Dasia Biluye (DS) and Olivia Christensen (DS) will all look to factor into the varsity equation.
In all, nine total players who saw action in at least 13 varsity sets last season return.
“The biggest strength is our experience,” Mitchem said. “I have many kids that were a part of one of the most successful Spokane teams ever from last season. They know what it takes to win. We are expecting to be powerful on offense and scrappy on defense.”
The schedule will look a little different this season as the Owls move into the Greater Ozarks Conference from the SWCL this season. The new conference features Billings, Crane, Greenwood, Marion C. Early (non-volleyball), New Covenant Academy and Pleasant Hope.
“We are extremely excited about the new conference,” Mitchem said. “We will be playing schools that are very competitive in volleyball, which will help us prepare for districts. Our goal is to win the GOC in our first year.”
Spokane will travel to Forsyth for a jamboree on Aug. 23 before opening the regular season Aug. 30 at home against School of the Ozarks.
“Our schedule is much tougher this year,” Mitchem said. “We dropped all of our tournaments from last year and added the West Plains, Willard, and Strafford tournaments. This will help us gain experience playing bigger stronger teams and get us ready for districts. Our expectations are to continue to improve in our individual roles, have relentless pursuit on defense, and run a smart offense.
