Members of the 2024 Bobcat volleyball team are front row, from left: Tylee Smith, Adalie Tullis, Delanie Weinman, Olivia Fitzgerald, Rae Hagler, Emma Stallbaumer, Taryn Furr, Chloe Bloomer, and Danielle Duponcheel; Row two: Coach Jadyn Weber, Jade Bierman, Josie Lehmkuhler, Charli Pandorf, Asa Starr, Tiersa Johnson, Addie Stump, Ashly Denney, Alley Jorgenson, Coach Michelle Preston, and Coach Jacyee Stupka; Row three: Brooke Bierman, Sara Latiegue, Natalie Trotter, Kaygan Witthuhn, Aubrie Birkel, Bindi Peters, Kelynn Witthuhn, Erin Fitzgerald, Nyachay Haidle, Neltje Reiff, and Tyra Brestel; Back row: Danah Baldwin, Greeley Hrupek, Jozi Edgington, Riata Remund, and Anna Tullis. (Photo by Jessica Tickle)

The Bobcat volleyball team saw their share of struggles during the 2023 season and are looking to improve on their 11-19 record in 2024. The team enters the season with a new head coach, Michelle Preston, and a fresh perspective.

“I would say our biggest strength as a team is how supportive the girls are of one another,” said senior Greeley Hrupek. “It’s great to be surrounded by girls who are competitive but still support and push each other to be the best they can be.”

Last year’s team lost several close matches that could have gone either way and put the Bobcats over the 50 percent win mark and in good position heading into post season play. The girls will be looking to accomplish that goal this year.

“Another big strength we have is our grit and drive to succeed,” said Hrupek. “We want others to see just how much we’ve worked to become the team the community will see on and off the court.”

The senior said she is excited to get this season underway. “I’m most excited to see the growth of our team throughout the season. We have a completely new team so it will be exciting to get to see how far we make it this season! We also have all new coaches, so it’s definitely been a big change from previous years. It’s been challenging, but it’s so rewarding.”

The Bobcat volleyball team will kick off their 2024 season at Mullen on Sept. 3 with game time for the first match set for 5:30 p.m.