The Hampton-Dumont-CAL volleyball team is gearing up for the season, having completed its second week of official practice. After stepping down from the position at the end of last season, Sarah Miller is back as the head coach of the program. She shares why she decided to return.
“I think it really gave me the opportunity to think about what was important to me,” Miller says. “Thinking about where I was at the end of last season and going through my administration coursework. I graduated in July with my administrative degree and at this point in time, personally for me, I’m just not quite ready yet to begin that journey and reflecting. Knowing and understanding how important volleyball, the program itself means to me, but also the players and the girls, I just felt like it was best that I continue something that I’m so very passionate about and want to continue to see this program build and succeed. I feel like for me right now, it is where I need to be.”
It’ll be somewhat of a new-look team after the graduation of several starters. In fact, this year’s team has no seniors. However, junior outside hitters Addison Aalbers and Madison Heilskov are back after starting last year. Junior Kenley Hansen contributed mostly on JV last year, but is expected to take over as the varsity setter.
“I don’t think I could have asked for any better two returning players that have that varsity experience. Both Addie and Madison have really taken it upon themselves to be those leaders in the gym that I know and see in them. And we also feel like we have a perfect situation where those two along with Kenley Hansen, also an incoming junior, were voted upon by their teammates as captains. And it just really sets this wonderful tone for our program, these three amazing girls who are developing into leaders and are growing our program. They’re setting the tone both on the floor and outside of the gym on what it means to be a Bulldog. I think it’s a great opportunity for these girls to step in these positions and be those leaders and be the confidence builders for our underclassmen coming in.”
Aalbers was second on the team with 1.8 kills per set last year, and Madison Heilskov was third with 1.3.
They’ll begin the season by hosting West Fork on Thursday, August 28 on 104.9 KLMJ.
Sarah Miller interview:
