New Season – New Coaches
The new season brings about many changes; among them coaches. All summer long, athletic directors are scrambling to fill their coaching staff for programs across the state. The turnover of staff seems to be growing with each passing year,…
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Continue ReadingThe new season brings about many changes; among them coaches. All summer long, athletic directors are scrambling to fill their coaching staff for programs across the state. The turnover of staff seems to be growing with each passing year, with several factors influencing change: retirement, pay, experience, lack of success, locations and more. While most of the change takes place at lower levels, junior high through JV, some teams will start the season with a new head coach. This brings about change and hope for an improved program.
These two teams have new varsity coaches who hope to bring an additional opportunity for success for the 2019 volleyball season.
Dover Eyota – The Eagles had several coaches jumping at the opening for their varsity squad, but coach Sam Hanley, was the obvious choice. Hanley has been a member of the Dover Eyota community for several years. Likewise, his own two daughters had success in the volleyball program. He has coached in the district at lower levels working to develop the program’s athletes. Most recently he spent some time at Kingsland High school as the head coach. While there the Knights reclaimed their position as one of the top teams in their tough Southeast Conference. Hanley was also a big influencer in the Southern Minnesota Volleyball Club (SMV) being the head coach of the 12’s program for man years.
For the Eagles 2019 team, Sam brings optimism to improve the struggling program. Last year they finished with a record 10-22 with only five wins in the conference. His knowledge and experience with be the push needed to take this program to the next level. Top athletes for the Eagles include:
Lylee McCready, 6’1” MH (sr.)
Erika Banitt, S (jr.)
Lexi Williams, RH (sr,)
North St Paul – The school’s athletic director didn’t have to look far when they hired Stephanie Blanda. She has been a part of the Polars program for the last five years. Taking over the varsity team should be an exciting new challenge for Blanda who has coached for their club teams and was a dominant player herself at St Thomas University, being recognized as a first team ALL-MIAC.
Stephanie has been a part of the program’s success; with her calling the shots, anticipate the Polars’ dominance in the Metro East conference to continue. Top players for the polars:
Bria Sandifer, S (sr.)
Lauren Stenman, OH (sr.)
Yaiza Franco, MH (sr.)