As the volleyball season approaches, the Wilson Creek Devils are gearing up for competition with a renewed focus on unity and collaboration. The team, which is younger yet experienced, is determined to embody their motto of 'One team, one goal' as they strive for success on the court.
Head Coach Shawn Shahan expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, "I'm looking forward to watching this team come together and do something great. See them combine and work together and become one team." This sentiment reflects the team's objective to foster a strong sense of togetherness as they prepare to face their opponents.
Last season, the Devils concluded their campaign with a record of 6-14, managing to qualify for the district tournament despite the challenges posed by the competitive Central Washington B League. Their journey came to an end in the first round of districts, where they faced Easton. This year, the team hopes to build on their past experiences and improve their performance.
With a roster that previously leaned heavily on younger players, Wilson Creek is set to welcome back key senior leaders, including Cheyanne Dailey, Debi Horn, Lila Sackmann, and Riley Larsen. Coach Shahan has expressed confidence in these returning seniors, noting their positive influence on the younger members of the team. "They're super positive and helpful," she remarked, acknowledging the vital role seniors play in fostering a supportive atmosphere.
As the season unfolds, Dailey and Horn are eager to embrace their leadership roles. Dailey shared her excitement about being a captain, stating, "It's fun because we've always had people we looked up to who were seniors. To be a captain, it's a lot of fun." Both players are committed to enhancing teamwork and communication, emphasizing the importance of patience as they navigate their final season together.
Coach Shahan has also noted that many players are being placed in unfamiliar positions, which has necessitated a focus on skill development, particularly in footwork and repetitions. She emphasized the need for the team to adopt a scrappy style of play, which will be crucial for their success this season.
One of the primary goals for the Devils is to strengthen their mental resilience, encouraging players to maintain a positive mindset even when facing adversity during matches. Shahan wants her players to leave the court knowing they gave their all, regardless of the outcome.
The camaraderie among the players is another significant advantage for the Devils this season. Being part of a small school has allowed the girls to develop friendships that extend beyond the volleyball court. Coach Shahan noted, "The plus side of being in a small school is they all are in classes together. They've all grown up together, so they are all friends, some are siblings, so the team camaraderie is there."
Wilson Creek will kick off their season on the road against Moses Lake Christian Academy on September 8 at 6:15 p.m. As they embark on this new journey, the Devils are hopeful that their commitment to teamwork and unity will lead to a successful season.
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