The 2024 Lady Thunder volleyball team will start their season home opener with a match against Bon Homme at Dakota Christian on September 3rd at 7 p.m. The team will also be playing in the Hanson Tournament August 27th and 29th in Alexandria. This year’s team is coached by Head Coach Christopher Derry and assistant coach Ben Kroese. Derry has been coaching for the past 20 years, and has been the head volleyball coach of the Lady Thunder for the past five years.

The Thunder will see three seniors return to their roster this year: Mahpiya Irving, Josie Brouwer, and Syri Never Miss A Shot. Junior members of the team are Cami Ronfeldt, Halle Olson, Gracie Ronfeldt, and Katelyn Dvorak. Madeline Derry, Madilyn Janis, Audrey DeHaan, Callie Bergin, Marin Bultje, Felicity Davis, and Cheyenne Siems are the team’s sophomores. Lone freshman team member is Taylor Brooks.

The team attended the BOMBS (Building of Minds, Body & Skills) Volleyball Camp in Wagner in their off season. This was a train and play kind of camp that brought together eight local teams including the Lady Thunder to both train and compete with each other. They also attended a Katrina Brooks Talley camp in Mitchell. Katrina is a Lake Andes Eagles alumni and former volleyball player for the Eagles.

Highlights of last season were the increase to the number of winning games and how the team really came together. Last year’s team had quite a few seniors, but the seniors were well supported by the underclassmen team members. This season’s goals are to build upon the momentum and team work that was started last season.

Key players for the Thunder this season will be seniors, Mahpiya Irving and Josie Brouwer along with juniors, Halle Olson and Cami Ronfeldt. Mahpiya Irving was named to the Great Plains All Conference team. Josie Brouwer received honorablementionbytheGreat Plains All Conference.

This season, Coach Derry sees Wagner and Burke being the toughest or most challenging games for the Thunder. As the head coach, he looks forward to seeing the girls take their skills to the next level and keep advancing as the season continues. He sees great teamwork, positive attitudes, and a team mentality on the horizon for the Lady Thunder. Coach Derry also believes that the character of each individual is the basis of a good team and bringing all of those individuals together to work as a team will help the ladies persevere through any trials they encounter this season.

Good luck this season, Lady Thunder!