By Chris Parker
Spokane volleyball is looking for a big season coming off a 19-win campaign with six seniors set to lead the team.
“Our biggest strength this season will be our senior leadership,” Spokane head coach Erin Mitchem said. “We have six seniors that are hungry for a district title. Our team culture is strong. We have great leaders and positive team chemistry. That will take us far.”
Spokane graduated its top hitter in Anna Brunner but does return its top setter in Callie Terrell. The senior earned all-conference and all-district honors after she distributed 713 assists last season.
“Callie Terrell will quarterback our team,” Mitchem said. “Callie is an experienced, aggressive setter with great delivery and the ability to score. She is a great leader on the floor and helps set the tone for our games.”
Senior middle hitter Makenzie Melton is the top returning hitter with 158 kills last season. She also earned all-conference honors.
“Makenzie Melton also returns to lead the team with her quick tempo offense and high court IQ,” Mitchem said. “She sees the court better than most and always comes up with big points for us.”
Classmate Maddie Hardee was just behind Melton in kills with 144.
“Maddie Hardee will be taking on a huge role this season as our go-to six-rotation outside hitter,” Mitchem said. “Maddie is a dynamic player with powerful swing and good defensive instincts.”
Hannah Finstad will have a new varsity role in her senior season.
“Hannah Finstad will step into a new role this season hitting outside for us,” Mitchem said. “Hannah is an explosive player with a heavy arm swing that generates so much energy for our team.”
Chezney Lee will be stepping up on defense as a defensive specialist after Spokane graduated its top three players in digs and serve receptions.
“Chezney Lee will be helping to lead our team on defense and serve receive,” Mitchem said. “Chezney’s experience and work ethic will be beneficial for our back row. She has emerged as a strong leader in our program.”
Junior middle hitter Ella Christenson rounds out the returning varsity players.
“Ella Christenson will be a powerful force at the net,” Mitchem said. “Ella has the ability to take over a match with fast tempo swings and her huge block. We are looking forward to Ella having a big season.”
Junior libero Carley Collins, senior right side Nova Kissinger and sophomore setter Harper Finstad will be newcomers to the varsity lineup.
Mitchem on Collins: “Carley Collins is stepping into a huge role. She will be leading our defense and carry a lot of responsibility on serve receive. Carley has developed into a quick, determined, high energy player that brings tons of momentum.”
Mitchem on Kissinger: “Nova Kissinger will be a big presence at the net. Nova is effective in any position in the front and also brings us the energy we need.”
Mitchem on Harper Finstad: “Harper Finstad will be seeing time in the setting position as well as DS and outside. Harper is the player I can confidently stick in any position and know she will get the job done. She is a strong setter but can also be very effective as an outside hitter.”
This season also marks the 20th anniversary of Spokane’s third place finish in the state. Mitchem was a senior on that team.
This season’s team kicks off the season on Aug. 30 at the Monett Tournament.
“My expectation for this season is for our girls to push themselves to levels they haven’t seen yet,” Mitchem said. “We have the skill and talent to be a very competitive team. We are playing in tough tournaments against great teams. We will be challenged, but I am excited to see them rise to the occasion each match.”
