Strong work ethic will be key to the season’s success for GHV volleyball team

[caption id="attachment_12426" align="alignleft" width="270"] 2015 GHV Varsity Volleyball
Members of the 2015 GHV varsity volleyball team include front row (L-R): Bailee Frayne, Sydney Childress, Katie Rasmuson. Middle row (L-R): Coach Steffens, Payton Bamrick, Lydia Seelhammer, Jillian Heitland, Carlie Knutson, Coach Weisenstein, Coach Ward. Back row (L-R): Taryn Carolus, Hannah Lau, Mackenzie Van Gerpen, Jacki Van Oort, Miranda Jackson. -Reporter photo[/caption]

What the Garner-Hayfield-Ventura volleyball team lacks in age, it makes up for with a strong work ethic and returning players who had strong seasons last year.

“We have no seniors this year with varsity experience,” said Coach Kelsey Steffens.  “Our three returning letter winners are juniors.”

Although they are only juniors, the three returners are strong all-around players and will lead the team this season, said Coach Steffens.  Returning are Mackenzie Van Gerpen, outside hitter; Hannah Lau, middle; and Carlie Knutson, outside.  Van Gerpen was a 2014 First Team All-Conference selection and Lau was named to the Second Team.

Steffens said she also looks for the following players to contribute this season: seniors Sydney Childress, Taryn Carolus, Payton Bamrick, Katie Rasmuson, and Miranda Jackson.  Also hoping to see some varsity playing time will be Bailee Frayne, Jackie Van Oort and Lydia Seelhammer.

There are 40 girls on the team this season.

Last year’s squad compiled a successful record of 24-10.

Coach Steffens said she is looking for Lake Mills and Forest City to be tough competitors this season.

Dustin Ward and Renee Weisenstein will serve as assistant coaches.