Club Team Spotlight: Athena 15-1 Gold
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While the Athena 15 Gold team looks a little different than projected, with some key players returning, the team is still poised to be competitive. Last season’s dominant 14 Gold team disbanded, with quite a few players going elsewhere this…
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Continue ReadingWhile the Athena 15 Gold team looks a little different than projected, with some key players returning, the team is still poised to be competitive. Last season’s dominant 14 Gold team disbanded, with quite a few players going elsewhere this club season or jumping up to 16 Gold. Some of the players who played a smaller role on last year’s 14 Gold team are having to step up and take on a larger role for the team this season. The team is coached by the dynamic duo of Kaiao Nahale-a and Kealia Rosa, partners on and off the court. Nahale-a recently took over the Western Oregon University volleyball program and helped the team see more success than they have in previous seasons.
Curtis is one of those athletes that has had to step up and has showcased a lot of improvement while doing so. Last season she was not a major player, however, with some holes in the lineup, the team is looking to Curtis to be a dominant right side. While she is still learning and growing into the right-side position, she has a lot of great things going for her already. She is athletic, has a strong arm, and puts up a solid block.
Sophia Gourley
Sophia Gourley
Gourley is only an eighth grader, but you wouldn’t know it watching her play up with the 2026s and 2025s. Moving up from Athena 14 Gold, she is shouldering a large offensive load for the group this season. With a hammer of an arm, she can obliterate the ball down the line or cross court to rack up points. Only a 2027, Gourley is one to watch over the coming years as she continues to improve her game. She is well on her way to being a top 2027 recruit coming out of the Pacific Northwest.
Harrington, alongside Hefeneider, both returning from 14 Gold, should see a similar role as last season, running a 6-2. She is athletic, quick, and has strong hands that she uses to push the ball to the pins. With a solid swing and a big block, she is more than capable of staying in across the front row as an attacker.
Heinle is an athletic and speedy defensive specialist. Previously splitting duties with Kiana Johnson, all eyes are on Heinle this season with Johnson switching clubs. It is assumed she will take on the role of primary libero for 15 Gold. Taking on a bigger role defensively, she showcases leadership, anchoring the team’s backrow play. With a tough standing float serve, she garners lots of disruption and service aces.
Hefeneider, alongside Harrington, both returning from 14 Gold, should see a similar role as last season, running a 6-2. Combining her quickness and great footwork, she gets her hands on the ball effortlessly. With a great touch on the ball, her setting is smooth. When setting across the backrow, she plays exceptional right back defense, staying controlled and consistent digging down the line and cross court.
Sherby is another one of those players from last season’s 14 Gold team that has had to step up big time this season. With outside hitter Madi Andrews playing up to 16 Gold, there was a hole in the line-up that needed filling. Sherby has taken this role on with confidence. When attacking she demonstrates a heavy arm and puts the ball away with a multitude of shots and angles. Last season she was primarily used as a defensive specialist, so playing across the backrow is no problem for Sherby.