Volleyball season takes off

Varsity volleyball at Hot Springs County High School kicks off this weekend with the McDonald's Invite in Riverton, Friday and Saturday.

"We have had a great start to the season," said head coach Shannon Hill. "We have 31 girls out this year, which is a lot, but I appreciate the love for the game."

Hill said there are four returning seniors stepping up as leaders this season along with a junior class of seven athletes who are following in the senior's footsteps and really pushing each other.

In addition, there are eight sophomores and a whopping 12 freshman athletes hitting the courts.

"There is a multitude of talent throughout our program this year and I am excited to watch their potential grow this season," Hill said.

The same assistants are backing Hill again this year, JV coach Courtney O'Connor and freshman coach Dana Bjorhus.

"All three of us have spent a lot of time learning and collaborating this summer to pull out the potential we see in our girls," Hill said. "This season could hold a lot of successes for our program because the talent is most definitely there, but we are making a point to work on the mental side of volleyball now so that we are prepared in high-pressure situations, which would be an improvement from last season."

Hill added they are also working on pushing the mentality that although we are a smaller 3A school we will step on the court every match and know we have the ability and potential to beat the team across the net.

"This has been a huge missing piece for our program since we've moved up to 3A," she said. "We will compete this year. We will reach our goals!"