Women’s Volleyball Team first in McNick history to compete in State Tournament

Women’s Volleyball was the only fall sport this year who was able to keep the streak alive of making it to the state tournament, where they ended their season as state runner up losing in three sets to Division III state champion Lake Catholic: 25-17, 25-22, and 25-13. The 2023 Women’s Volleyball Team is the first women’s volleyball team in McNick’s history to make it to the state final four. With the privilege of making it to the state tournament comes the nerves of continuing their wins. Playing at the Nutter Center at Wright State University sparked nerves within the team as playing in a large arena was a new experience for them. Head Coach Darlene Tierney made sure they were comfortable.

Tierney states, “When we arrived at the arena, before we even got ready in the locker room, I had them walk around the gym, take it all in and then just focus on the court.”

With the nerves also came the excitement of their accomplishments thus far in the season. Freshman volleyball coach Sammie Wheatley states, “I was more excited than nervous for our team. Being about to see the girls hard work pay off and get on a big stage to play was amazing.”

Tierney states, “I really felt the arena was great for them, especially the backing of all the fans.” The stands were filled with a large number of McNicholas students, staff, faculty, and family who supported the team with their cheers.

Along with the support of the school community, the seniors facilitated bonding experiences to keep the team locked in. “We had bonding exercises and went out to dinner; just being together every single day definitely kept us bonded,” senior Kelsea Haas states.

With the growing support of the McNicholas Community and the coaching staff, hopefully future women’s volleyball teams will be able to continue a pattern of what this year’s team was able to accomplish.