The 2023 volleyball season has come to a conclusion. The girls had a good season with a record of 18-14-1. This year, there were only three seniors on the team. They were Makenzie Brinks, Joelle Boeskool, and Emma O’Connor. These players were such an asset to the team over the past few years. These seniors are going to be a massive hole to fill.
The returning Volleyball players for next season are Ally Kragt, Hannah Glupker, Ava Slotman, Bella Tamminga, Lauren VanOmmen, Kaitlyn Geurink, Ashlyn Sal and Maddie Stoel.
Taking Joelle’s spot as a setter, it is going to be hard to have someone with the same amount of skill and the energy that she brings to the team on and off the court. Ava Slotman is a possible replacement for Joelle next year. Someone to possibly take Emma O’Connor’s spot as one of the middles is Lauren VanOmmen. This spot will be hard to fill because of the power of Emma’s hits and her ability to block. Makenzie Brinks was an outside hitter and possibly taking her spot is Ashlyn Sal. It will be a challenge to replace Makenzie because of her positive outlook and her ability to work well with others.
Potential additions to the varsity team next season are Maddie Jipping, Emily Berkimer, Izzy Friedriechsen, Kelsey Mersman, and Ella Davison in the front row. In the back row, Halle Peters and Sophie Blauwkamp. And finally, the setter, Taylor Heer. These ladies will have to work hard for a spot on the varsity team as there are many returning players.
Next year will be an interesting year for volleyball, as they have sophomores moving up and juniors stepping up to take the seniors spots. The Hawkeye volleyball team has some places for improvement and some holes to fill, but with their possible line up next year, they could be the best they’ve ever been.