As the Soap Lake Eagles volleyball team gears up for the new season, they are embracing change with a new head coach and a predominantly fresh roster. Despite these alterations, the team's overarching goal remains the same: to compete fiercely in the Central Washington B League.
Erin Fletcher, who recently took over as head coach, expressed optimism about the team's progress. "The amount of growth that we’ve had already in such a short period of time has been huge," Fletcher remarked. She credited the players' dedication during the summer, which has laid a solid foundation for the upcoming season.
Last year, the Eagles concluded their campaign with a commendable 12-5 record, securing second place in the District 5 tournament before advancing to the state level. However, their journey at the state tournament was cut short when they faced Wahkiakum in the first round, ending their season on a bittersweet note.
During the offseason, the Eagles experienced significant changes, graduating eight seniors who were pivotal to the team's success. Additionally, the departure of longtime head coach Nikki Noble, who stepped down to focus on family, marked a new chapter for the program. Fortunately, the Eagles quickly found Fletcher, who brings a wealth of experience as both a coach and an official in volleyball.
This season, the team will rely heavily on sophomore Marina Zubritzkiy, the lone returning player from last year's varsity lineup. Zubritzkiy has stepped into the role of team captain and is eager to lead her teammates. "I feel very honored," she said, emphasizing her commitment to fostering a positive team environment and encouraging younger players to enjoy the sport.
Zubritzkiy has set her sights on helping the Eagles make another appearance at the state tournament, a feat they accomplished for three consecutive years during her eighth-grade and freshman seasons. "I’m so excited to see what we have and excited for this season to see how far we can go," she added.
Fletcher noted that one of the most significant areas of improvement among her players has been their understanding of the game. With only one player possessing varsity experience, early training has focused on developing fundamental skills necessary for success. Maintaining the team’s identity of scrappy volleyball is crucial, and Fletcher is dedicated to establishing a systematic approach for the players.
"That’s really what we’re focusing on," she explained. "If we’re out of system, what does that look like for us, and fundamentally what do we need to do to get better?" The foundation laid by the previous seniors and Noble’s coaching style will continue to influence the team's approach, as Fletcher aims to keep the Eagles competitive within the CWB.
Looking ahead, Fletcher is determined to keep her young team motivated and hungry for success. "This team is very young, it’s very scrappy, and they want to be here," she said. The Eagles will kick off their season with back-to-back home games, starting with a match against Lake Roosevelt on September 8 at 6:15 p.m., followed by a game against the Warden Cougars on September 9 at 5 p.m.
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