The 2023 Andes Central/ Dakota Christian Lady Thunder volleyball team is coached by head coach, Chris Derry, and assistant coaches Josie DeHaan, and Lisa Foley. Coach Derry has been coaching for 20 years and this will be his 5th year coaching volleyball. The Thunder return six seniors to the roster Onaka Doren, Aubrey Gray, Claire Johnson, Bria Severson, Abigail Svatos and Hannah Tronvold. Juniors include Josie Brouwer, Mahpiya Irving, Syrianna Never Miss A Shot and Gabriella Olson. Katelyn Davorak, Rory Kiyukan, Halle Olson, Cambria Ronfeldt and Gracie Ronfeldt are the sophomores on the team. Finally, there are 10 incoming freshmen Kylie Archambeau, Callie Bergin, Marin Bultje, Felicity Davis, Audrey DeHaan, Madeline Derry, Adara Hopkins, Madelyn Janis, Cheyenne Siems and Madeline Waetermans.

The Lady Thunder had a busy summer getting ready for the 2023 volleyball season. Coach Derry had weekly open gyms, and the girls attended two volleyball camps. The team also attended the Kernal Classic in Mitchell and participated in the Burke summer volleyball league.

Coach Derry’s goal for his team this year is that he wants to build team unity while having the girls compete with each other. Key players for this year will be Mahpiya Irving, Josie Brouwer, Abigail Svatos, Claire Johnson and Hannah Tronvold. Derry believes that the toughest and most intense games of the preseason will be against Burke and Tripp-Delmont/ Armour.

Helping the girls increase their volleyball IQs and developing their skills through teamwork and hustling are what Derry is looking forward to most this season. His coaching philosophy on building a successful team/ program is that the athletes need to build good character and by working together as a team they will persevere as ONE. Coach Derry and the Thunder Volleyball team want to see packed gyms this season so that they can show off their hard work and skills.

Good luck Lady Thunder on your season!