As the Ballard High School volleyball team transitions into the 2025 season, there’s a renewed sense of excitement and commitment among our athletes. After a season of growth and learning, we are looking forward to capitalizing on the experience we’ve gained and taking our game to the next level. Here’s an inside look at what we’ve been focusing on during the offseason and what fans can expect from us this coming season.
Offseason Focus
After a young season where most of our team was composed of sophomores, our focus this offseason is on improving consistency and developing a more strategic, seasoned level of play. The sophomores from last season are now juniors, and we have a few seniors who will be crucial in leading our team. These seniors are expected to capitalize on their leadership, while our juniors will continue to build on their experiences. The offseason is the perfect time to hone in on these areas and build a strong foundation for the upcoming season.
Special Offseason Events
Throughout the summer, we’ll be hosting open gyms to keep the team sharp and maintain strong communication. We’ll also be attending the Nebraska Team Camp, which is a great opportunity for team development and bonding. Additionally, we’ve got some scrimmages planned, as well as participation in a competitive summer league. These events will provide our athletes with the chance to work on their skills in competitive settings and develop team chemistry in preparation for the season.
Notable Additions & Departures
This season, we’ll be welcoming a new freshman and JV coach to the team. While the team culture, expectations, and energy will remain consistent, we anticipate that there may be a few growing pains as our younger teams adapt to the new leadership. On the roster side, we’re losing a few key defensive players, including our libero, who will be playing at the University of Northern Iowa. With the departure of such a strong backrow player, I’m looking for our younger players to step up and rise to the challenge of filling those big shoes.
Players to Watch
We have several players poised to make an impact this season. Brenna Baumgarder and Emersyn Engstler, our senior hitters, have already made a name for themselves, with Brenna earning All District and All State honors. Both players have been competing at a high level in club volleyball, and that experience will no doubt propel them to even greater success this season. I’m especially excited to see Norah Mudd step up and have a breakout season, particularly in front-row defense. In the back row, I’m looking for Halle Gardner to shine as a defensive presence. Additionally, Hailey Estrem, our setter, is returning as a 6-rotation junior and will be instrumental in running our offense. I expect Hailey to emerge as a true offensive leader, making key plays and setting the tone for the team.
Weight Lifting and Fitness
While the article didn’t highlight specific offseason training methods, our players have been dedicated to their fitness and conditioning. Many of our athletes have taken part in personal weightlifting routines and off-season training programs to ensure they stay in peak physical condition for the season ahead.
Coaching Perspective
Our coaching staff is focused on strengthening our defense in the offseason. While our hitters are certainly a standout part of our team, we know that no attack is possible without solid defense. This season, we’ll be emphasizing blocking strategies and making sure our backrow defense is among the best in the state. We’re working on making sure our athletes can dig the ball effectively, which is key for transitioning into successful offensive plays.
Fan Engagement & Community Impact
We’ve always appreciated the support from our community, and this offseason we’re working on ways to stay connected with our fanbase. While the article didn’t detail specific plans, we are dedicated to continuing to engage with our fans and foster a strong presence in the community. Fans can expect to see more involvement through school events, fundraising efforts, and team outreach as we build excitement for the season.
Biggest Challenges Ahead
As we move from a young team to one that is more experienced, there will certainly be high expectations. This is a positive challenge, but we need to stay grounded and not get ahead of ourselves. The key will be continuing to play hard, maintaining our work ethic, and keeping our focus on gritty, disciplined play. We know that some of Iowa’s top teams will be tough competitors, but we’re hungry for success, and our players are ready to give their all to show the state what Ballard High School volleyball is all about.
With a strong offseason behind us, the Ballard High School volleyball team is ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season. Stay tuned, and come support the team as we aim to continue building on our success and achieving even greater things this year!
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