Members of the 2025 South Loup volleyball team are, front row, from left: Student Mgr: Kelynn Witthuhn, Brook Bierman, Aubrie Birkel, Erin Fitzgerald, Bindi Peters, Nyachay Haidle, and Student Mgr: Lauren Reiff; Second Row: Tiersa Johnson, Alley Jorgenson, Charli Pandorf, Addison Stump, Josie Lehmkuhler, Kamryn Kramer, Jade Bierman and Asa Starr; Third Row: Angel Nichelson, Rae Hagler, Emma Stallbaumer, Olivia Fitzgerald, Taryn Rohrbough, and Delanie Weinman; Fourth Row: Natalie Thomsen, Gracie Brennan, Emma Bierman, Chloe Coleman, Claire Kulp, Kora Dailey, and Lynae Wiese; Fifth Row: Head Coach Michelle Preston, Assistant Coaches: Jaydn Weber and Erin Wyckoff. Not Pictured: Neltje Reiff and Student Managers: Paityn Dailey, Berklee Preston and Amelia Pandorf (Courier photo by Leta Connell)

The Lady Bobcats open the 2025 volleyball season next week as they host a triangular with Mullen and Anselmo-Merna in Arnold on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The first match is set for 5:30 p.m.

Leading the Lady Bobcats will be second-year head coach Michelle Preston. She will be assisted by Jadyn Weber, also in her second year, and first-year coach Erin Wyckoff. The coaching staff will be looking to lead their team to an improved season from their 2024 record of 4-24.

One of the key players in making that improvement could be Emma Stallbaumer. Last season she tied the school record for the most blocks per match, with 8 blocks in just her freshman season.

“We want to focus on our hitting percentages and blocking this year,” said Coach Preston. “We have some great hitters, but we need to work on consistency. We are two separate schools, but we are one team and one family, so working on that chemistry is a huge goal for us. This team is young again, but I feel that is to our benefit. They have the drive and the hunger to win.”

Other players who may be contributing factors to the success of this year’s team are juniors Josie Lehmkuhler and Charli Pandorf, and senior Nyachay Haidle.

“This is a team that is a mix of underclassmen and girls who have had only one year of experience on varsity, but I see so much potential,” Coach Preston stated. “They have so much heart and determination. The girls have been working so hard, and I am hoping their hard work will pay off this season. Last season was a rough go, but I feel like it will be the reminder and push they need for this year.”