X

The Avon Lady Pirate Volleyball team has put in a lot of work over the summer in order to get ready for this year’s season. Amy Tyler was invited to host a two-day skills camp to help sharpen the players’ skill sets and open gyms were a constant throughout the summer. Head coach Lindsey Fathke in her second year with Avon and assistant coach, Connie Gretschmann are hoping to build upon what they started last year and continue to grow as a team. The Pirates return nine varsity letterwinners this season. There are three seniors: McKenna Kocmich, Courtney Sees, and Grace Vanderlei. These ladies are the team leaders and will be relied upon heavily this season. Joining the seniors are five juniors: Macy Voigt, Kaeli Wallinga, Lila Vanderlei, Kinley Doom, and Karlie DeVries. Sophomores include Abby Gretschmann, Ella Hamilton, Lexi Vanderlei, and Kate Swier. With freshmen Breanna Hento, Jordyn Voigt, and Rilyn Thury rounding out the team. Fathke sees players Lila Vanderlei, Lexi Vanderlei, Macy Voigt and Jordyn Voigt as being key players that will help with the team’s overall success on the court. The win/loss record from last season does not do justice to how much the girls grew as a team last season. The Pirates had several players make the All-Conference teams and all are returning. McKenna Kocmich had 1000 Set Assists, 100 Aces, and made the Great Plains Conference and LMVC teams. Courtney Sees made the Great Plains Conference team and the LMVC team. Lila Vanderlei made honorable mention for the Great Plains Conference. Coach Fathke sees every game as being tough and intense with the most intense games this season being against Wagner, Bon Homme and Parkston largely in part because those schools bring the biggest crowds with them. Her coaching style focuses on the fundamentals and teamwork. She encourages her players to encourage each other. If they are constantly boosting each other and being supportive they will be successful as a team. Coach Fathke is excited to see the girls utilize the tools they learned this summer and to see the confidence in each player grow as their skills continue to improve throughout the season. Best of luck this season Lady Pirates.