Young Bulldogs work well together
Members of the MFL MarMac JV and varsity volleyball teams include (front, left to right) Kennedy McShane, Jerica Meana, Julie Lenth, Jade Gerndt, Ali Crogan; (middle) Ashley Weaver, Jayde Schubert, Summer Schutte, Lauren Gillitzer, Kylee Splinter, Josie Kleinow, Brenna Boland, Marissa Anderson; (back) Rachel Davis, Jordan Schubert, Megan Lang, RoseMary McGeough, Brinan Berger, Taylor Berns and Bailey Winter. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
This year’s MFL MarMac volleyball team may be young, but its members have a strong rapport with one another, a factor that will be important during the 2017 season, said head coach Kelly Winter.
“The girls all seem to get along really well,” she shared. “That is always the first goal, to get them working together and communicating on and off the court.”
Winter, who takes over as head coach this year, has been a long-time coach at the middle school level and the current players’ AAU coach for the past few years. She said she looks forward to the higher competition level, as well as the opportunity to share her love of volleyball with her players.
Joining Winter are assistant coaches Megan Schellhorn and Kyle Pedretti.
After losing their top hitters and setters to graduation, the team will rely on juniors Josie Kleinow and Jayde Schubert, who saw the most varsity action last season, for leadership.
“I hope their experience can make an impact on our season,” Winter said.
Senior newcomer Kennedy McShane will also play a large role.
“McShane, along with many others, will help us in the front row if we can get our passing where we want it,” Winter said.
“We need to improve in all aspects of our game,” she added, “but have been concentrating heavily on our blocking and passing.”
Winter said she’s excited to have so many players who can fill different roles on the team.
“That gives us some choices with our offense,” she remarked.
