Spartan volleyball looks to contend in the IML

PRIEST RIVER — At the end of last season when Priest River volleyball finished with a 1-13 record, head coach Meagan Mize was optimistic about the progress her team could make over the offseason.

Well that progress occurred, and now with more depth and more options, Mize believes the Spartans have the ability to contend in the Intermountain League.

"I'm feeling really good about the team," she said. "We've had a lot of growth since last year ... and I feel like we're collectively stronger this year than we were last year."

The Spartans lost two starters — libero Kylee Lederle and outside hitter Josie Booth, who is now at Lassen Community College in California.

The other six varsity players from last year's team are back — Ethnee White, Ona Rose, Brodie Hansen, Allyson Barton, Abigail Shockey and Addisen Kingery. Junior Madilyn Rose, sophomore Helena White and freshman Desiree Humphries are all new to the varsity team. Ona is the lone senior.

Last year, Booth was the only player with prior varsity experience. The Spartans don't have that problem this fall and the team got plenty of time to bond during the spring while competing for River City Volleyball.

At times in 2020, the team struggled to remain positive when things weren't going their way. Mize said she is really focusing on the mental side of the game with her players to ensure that doesn't happen again.

"I've got a lot of really good energy going on this year and that's something that I'm really working on maintaining," she said.

Mize has installed a new offense and defense and completely changed the rotations. She believes this group is ready for the next step.

"I've really pushed them this year to raise their games," she said.

Shockey is moving from setter to defensive specialist this year. Humphries will fill her spot at setter and Mize is excited to see what the freshman can do on the court this fall.

"She's a really strong athlete all the way around," she said. "I think she's going to do phenomenal. She's a great quarterback."

Helena White played on the junior varsity team last year and Mize said she has a lot of flexibility. She's comfortable putting Helena in any position on the front row.

The Spartans will carry nine players on varsity, but a couple members of the JV squad could swing between the two teams throughout the season.

Regardless of what happens this year, Mize has put the pieces in place to build a successful program for years to come.

"I see good things in Priest River's future," she said.

Priest River opens the season at home at 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, Sept. 7, against Wallace. The Spartans will then head to Riverside (Wash.) on Wednesday and host Clark Fork on Thursday. It's quite the start — three games in three days.

"Out of the frying pan and into the fire," Mize said about the opening week.