Meet The Teams Competing At The State Tournament: 5A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am so excited to have gotten the privilege to talk to some of these coaches about how they're feeling going into the State Tournament as well as looking back on their seasons. I absolutely love doing write-ups about athletes, but I also think there is something really special about getting recognition from other coaches that you've competed against all season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Waukee Northwest- Coached by Jodi Vogt</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Current Record: 29-2</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Talking with Head Coach Jodi Vogt:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. How are you feeling about the postseason and going into the state tournament?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am really excited for this group. I have so much love for this team; it's truly hard to put it into words. They are competitive and love to compete against top-level teams, and I believe they have the best stage to do it at the state tournament this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. What has your team done well this season that's gotten them to this point?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our team chemistry is one of the best parts of who we are. We have players who believe in each other, root for each other, and really compete to make each other better every single day. Our practice gym is so competitive, so there are lots of opportunities for kids to continue to improve. This group of seniors has been playing together since they were sophomores. They have truly been exceptional leaders to our program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. What is your main focus heading into state?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I remind our girls that they are disciplined and that the little things they do every single day will show up this week because they have put in the work to prepare themselves. Now, they get to showcase their hard work. And to me, their "fun" comes from seeing the work they put in pay off and accomplishing their goals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Is there a different team that you've enjoyed watching this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I wouldn't say I've had a favorite to watch, but I always love any competitive game between two schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Who was your favorite team to play this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We played some really competitive teams in a Nebraska tournament that the girls really enjoyed. We also always enjoy playing teams in our conference because the CIML is always so competitive, especially the 5-set match against Dowling, as well as playing in the Regional final against our cross-town rival, Waukee. You really can't take a match for granted, and when you are at the top of the conference/ state, everyone is trying to bring you their best game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. If you could shout out one player from your team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would have to say our bench. There are girls on our bench who would play at other schools, but they show up every day and give it their best. This makes not just our team, but the culture of our program better. They are selfless teammates, and that is exactly why our program is so competitive and our culture is so strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">7. If you could shout out one player from another team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think everyone has a player on their team that is fun to compete against. We really enjoy all of our teams and athletes in the CIML. It is so hard to pick out one player, and I am biased, but I love my players the most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">8. What makes this group so special, and what is your favorite thing about this team?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They truly LOVE each other; they invest in building relationships with each other on and off the court, and they are a coach's dream. When you have competitive, athletic kids who love the game and want to improve all while treating each other the way they do..... what more could you possibly ask for?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dowling Catholic- Coached by Mary Wiskus</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Current Record: 29-6</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Talking with Head Coach Mary Wiskus:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. How are you feeling about the postseason and going into the state tournament?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I feel really good! The team is healthy and ready to give it their best on that state tournament floor. This group loves being around each other to. I think playing with teammates that are some of your best friends makes for a successful team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. What has your team done well this season that's gotten them to this point?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They love to be challenged. They are a growth-mindset team, and as a result, we have gotten so much better through each week of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. What is your main focus heading into state?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My main focus going into state is making sure the girls know that they have put in the work. They are good enough to beat anyone, and I will continue to encourage them to play with confidence and give confidence to one another. This will help us play with joy and max out when it matters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Is there a different team that you've enjoyed watching this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My favorite team to watch this season is Waukee Northwest. They are so incredibly scrappy and know how to play aggressively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Who was your favorite team to play this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would also have to say Waukee Northwest again. It was 5 sets of intense, loud, and insanely high level volleyball which is always so much fun to be apart of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. If you could shout out one player from your team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["952237"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae53215ea805"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"If I could shout out one player from my team, it would have to be [player_tooltip player_id='952237' first='Kennedy' last='Hobbs']. She is a senior who does everything she can to make everyone around her better, whether it's on or off the court. She is truly the glue to our team and a person everyone wholeheartedly trusts."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">7. If you could shout out one player from another team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730419"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae53215ea839"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"I would have to shout out [player_tooltip player_id='730419' first='Hailey' last='Wiederin'] from Ankeny. It has been so fun watching her improve drastically throughout the season, especially when it comes to her offense. Not only is she becoming an amazing volleyball player, but she's an amazing kid as well."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">8. What makes this group so special, and what is your favorite thing about this team?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They are incredibly talented in every position, and we are big enough that our block/ defense messes even with the most offensively talented teams. This group LOVES to compete more than any other team I have had. But my favorite thing about this group is how much the girls love each other and how dedicated they are to the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Iowa City West- Coached by Jaedynn Evans</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Current Record: 28-6</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Talking with Head Coach Jaedynn Evans:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. How are you feeling about the postseason and going into the state tournament?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am feeling great! I really like our first-round draw, and I am excited about the opportunity ahead of us. I truly believe we have put in the work necessary to be playing our best volleyball at the right time of the year. The girls have worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and I am so excited to see what we can accomplish next week!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. What has your team done well this season that's gotten them to this point?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I think one of the biggest areas of growth for our team has been learning how to play together. As the season progressed, we really started to come together as a team, trust one another, and play for each other. I believe that growth played a huge role in us winning the conference championship and making our way through regionals. We have learned how to battle through adversity and find ways to win together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. What is your main focus heading into state?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our main focus heading into state is to continue playing for each other. We want to focus on the things we can control, trust our preparation, and play our style of volleyball. At this point in the season, it is all about staying connected, fighting for every point, and enjoying the opportunity we have earned.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Is there a different team that you've enjoyed watching this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I honestly haven't had the opportunity to sit down and watch a ton of other teams outside of scouting. Most of my time watching volleyball is spent breaking down film of our next opponent and preparing our girls for our next match. I wouldn't say there has been one team that's stood out as my favorite to watch. My focus has really been on our team and what we need to do to be successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Who was your favorite team to play this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My favorite team to play this season was Ankeny Centennial. It was especially meaningful because they were the team that knocked us out of the state tournament last year. Having the opportunity to play them again and see how much our girls have grown, both physically and mentally, was so rewarding. Watching their confidence, resilience, and mental toughness throughout that match was one of my favorite moments of the season. It showed me how far we had truly come as a team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. If you could shout out one player from your team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["360642"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae53215ea863"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"I would love to give a shoutout to [player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'], one of our senior captains. Sophia is the type of athlete every coach dreams of having. She shows up every single day, works incredibly hard, and never complains. She is extremely coachable, takes feedback well, and when you ask her to do something, she does it without hesitation or second-guessing. Beyond volleyball, she's just an amazing human being. It has truly been a joy coaching Sophia and all of her fellow seniors this season. All six of them have made an incredible impact on our program, and they are going to be missed immensely next year. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach this group of amazing seniors."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">7. If you could shout out one player from another team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775157"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae53215ea885"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"I would have to shout out my little sister, [player_tooltip player_id='775157' first='Jeorgia' last='Evans'], who is a junior at Mid-Prairie. Jeorgia commited to Iowa State over the summer, which was an exciting accomplishment to say the least, but what makes me even more proud is the growth she has shown as a leader. This season, she stepped into a new role as a captain and leader of her team and helped lead Mid-Prairie back to the regional final. One of the highlights was their upset over No.7 CPU, where she finished with 22 kills! Jeorgia works her butt off every single day, both on and off the court. She is constantly pushing herself to get better, and I know she has a bright future ahead of her. As a coach, I admire her work ethic and leadership, but as her sister, I couldn't be more proud. I am so lucky I get to call her my sister."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">8. What makes this group so special, and what is your favorite thing about this team?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes this group so special is their dedication to not only becoming great volleyball players but also great human beings. These girls genuinely want to be successful, and they're always willing to put in the work to make that happen. We have experienced plenty of ups and downs throughout this season, but what I love most about this group is how they have continued to face every challenge their own way. Nothing has come easy, and we have had to push ourselves every single day in practice to become the best versions of ourselves. One of my favorite parts about coaching this team has been watching their growth, not just as volleyball players, but as teammates and as individuals. They have learned to trust each other, hold each other accountable, and fight for something bigger than themselves. I think that is what makes this group so special. They have earned the opportunity to compete at state, and I truly couldn't be more proud of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ankeny Centennial- Coached by Jessica Rinehart</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Current Record: 27-8</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Talking with Head Coach Jessica Rinehart:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. How are you feeling about the postseason and going into the state tournament?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are feeling very good going into the postseason. We started the season with a relatively inexperienced team, but we have grown leaps and bounds since the beginning. We are playing our best ball, and we are so excited to compete at state. It feels like we're peaking at the perfect time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. What has your team done well this season that's gotten them to this point?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Something our team has done well this season is winning the serve-and-pass game. We have tough servers who are consistent and our passing has been solid- 2.4 average amongst our 3 passers. Our middles are strong, so we've also been able to utilize them a lot this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. What is your main focus heading into state?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our main focus going into state has been to play our best ball. Manage our emotions, support one another, and play our collective best as a team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Is there a different team that you've enjoyed watching this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There have been so many talented teams that we've seen throughout the year, I truly don't know if I could pick a favorite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Who was your favorite team to play this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our favorite team to play has probably been Dowling Catholic. We went to five with them in our conference match and we played them in the championship at Jefferson. It's just always a hard-fought battle with them and it's always enjoyable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. If you could shout out one player from your team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1039016"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae53215ea8ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"If we could shout out one player from our team, it would probably be [player_tooltip player_id='1039016' first='Madi' last='VanBruggen']. She is just a freshman, and she is leading our team in kills. She has been very consistent throughout the season and loves to compete."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">7. If you could shout out one player from another team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490011"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae53215ea8c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"If we could shout out a player from another team, it would probably have to be [player_tooltip player_id='490011' first='Leah' last='Janulewicz'] from Waukee Northwest. That kid is just an all-around rockstar, especially when it comes to her serve receive and defense."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">8. What makes this group so special, and what is your favorite thing about this team?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes this team so special is how good they are to each other. We have 3 people competing for spots in every position, but they always support each other, help each other, and have really formed bonds within their positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pleasant Valley- Coached by Amber Hall</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Current Record: 22-9</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Talking with Head Coach Amber Hall:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. How are you feeling about the postseason and going into the state tournament?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are excited to punch our ticket to State for the 8th year in a row!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. What has your team done well this season that's gotten them to this point?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are lucky to have had a challenging schedule to prepare us for the post-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. What is your main focus heading into state?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are really focusing on playing with confidence and trusting the training that has gotten us here as well as playing with consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. What makes this group so special, and what is your favorite thing about this team?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They definitely have an all-in mentality and are always willing to do what is best for the team. It has been a great season that has been full of growth. This group always comes in with positive, hardworking attitudes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cedar Falls- Coached by Matthew Johnson</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Current Record: 32-9</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Talking with Head Coach Matthew Johnson:</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">1. How are you feeling about the postseason and going into the state tournament?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is always such a great experience for our players, coaches, school, and community to end our season with a trip to State. We are really excited to get to Coralville and play against a really good DCG team!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2. What has your team done well this season that's gotten them to this point?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have a lot of players with position flexibility who can provide us with the opportunity to shift kids around both in practice and in matches. We have really talented young players so this group has been able to have really competitive practices against each other. We have also grown a lot in our ability to adjust to an opponent when we have watched film and worked on specific scouting things in practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">3. What is your main focus heading into state?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our main focus heading into State is to try to play as many competitive matches as possible while still remembering to have a great experience. We realize how lucky we are to be one of the last 40 teams in the state playing and how the hard work that we've put in over the last 12 months has gotten us to this point. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">4. Is there a team that you've enjoyed watching this season, and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In my (slightly) biased opinion, I would say my own team. But I have actually always enjoyed watching (but not playing against) WDM Valley. I think Coach Mikesell does an unbelievable job of doing some unconventional things that are hard to prepare for, and he is always finding ways to manufacture points in little ways. Outside of 5A I always enjoy playing and watching a lot of the schools from the Cedar Valley area because it is truly so crazy to see how much good volleyball there is within a 30-mile radius of the Waterloo/ Cedar Falls metro area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">5. Who was your favorite team to play this season and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While playing opponents multiple times a year is not always ideal, it can be really cool to see how both teams are progressing as the season goes on and what adjustments teams are making to how your team plays. This year, we played Linn Mar and Johnston three times and also had to play Waverly-Shell Rock, Norwalk, and Cedar Rapids Kennedy twice. Each time we played these opponents it felt like a completely different style of match, and we had to keep making adjustments to new wrinkles and personnel each time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">6. If you could shout out one player from your team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We truly have so many kids who have stepped up and filled different roles when needed! We also have had a lot of kids who have gone in and out of the lineup but have kept great attitudes or found other ways to help contribute to our team's success. There are also so many kids who have waited their turn patiently, worked their butts off, and are just now seeing the floor as upperclassmen. We frequently tell the kids that we understand that some of their club teammates and friends might get on a varsity floor sooner than they do at Cedar Falls, but the reason our program has sustained success is that we have great upperclassmen who have worked hard and waited their turn. If you had to put my feet in the fire, I would have to shout out <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kennedy-krecklow/" data-type="players" data-id="389853">[player_tooltip player_id='389853' first='Kennedy' last='Krecklow']</a> because she plays with a really even demeanor and is so immensely talented that on the rare occasion when she commits an error, I am almost surprised.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">7. If you could shout out one player from another team, who would it be and why?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["493658"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae5385cf0636"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"Although we did not play them this year, I have always been impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='493658' first='Hattie' last='Galloway'] at Iowa City High. As a junior, she played some middle, some right side, some middle back defense, and some right back defense. She is very versatile and seems to be very willing to take on whatever role her team needs to be successful..... who doesn't like watching someone who is that good of a player and a teammate?"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">8. What makes this group so special, and what is your favorite thing about this team?</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have 13 seniors!! That has definitely made for a lot of challenges in terms of player roles and team dynamics, but it is also such a blessing to have 13 mature, positive, and committed individuals leading our team. The number of times we had a summer open gym and 12-13 of those seniors were present was unbelievable and a great example for our younger athletes to see. We also had our first-ever Social Committee, and they did a great job of planning summer pickleball tournaments, trips to Lost Island, movie nights, and other fun activities for our players to participate in! This has just been an all-around amazing group of kids, and I'm so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to coach them this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->