LYNNWOOD — The Lynnwood volleyball team has set its sights high.
In each of the last two seasons, the Royals advanced to the Class 3A state tournament and a third straight trip is a definite possibility.
Lynnwood returns eight varsity players from last year’s Western Conference 4A South Division runner-up, including first-team all-league setter Tricia Bartlette and second-team hitter Molly Hunsinger.
“Our goal is to go to state,” said co-captain Astri McCartney, a honorable mention hitter. “We also want to place this year because we haven’t made it in the top 8 the past two years.
“We come to practice and we have the attitude that to get that far we have to work harder than we’ve ever worked before.”
That work ethic McCartney spoke of wasn’t limited to the first week of practices. The Lynnwood players kept busy throughout the summer, attending a team camp at Gonzaga University, volunteering at the Alderwood Boys and Girls Club’s volleyball camp and running their own conditioning sessions at the high school.
“They trained all summer long,” said Royals coach Jean Kellogg. “These guys thought about volleyball all year … they’re doing the things to improve themselves as athletes.”
Kellogg already can tell that her players are a tight-knit group. Though two key players from last season are gone, Lynnwood won’t be lacking in experience with six seniors on the roster.
“I think we know we (are) the same team we were last year,” co-captain Barlette said. “We lost a couple of players but we gained … I think we’ve gained more than we’ve lost.”
The Royals’ offense figures to be as strong as ever and the defense might be the strongest that Kellogg has seen in her five seasons at Lynnwood.
“There really are no weaknesses with the seniors,” McCartney added. “Everyone has something to offer.
“We’ve all been together for so long we’re like family and we already work very well together.”
In addition to a third straight state appearance, Lynnwood also wants to spruce up its gym.
The lone volleyball plaque hanging on the wall in the Royals’ gym is a 1979 AAA Northwest District title; Kellogg and her players would like to add to the wall with a league and/or district championship.
“It’s looking really good this year,” said co-captain Evi Kosciow. “I think we’re an even stronger team than last year.”
Kellogg, who was one of eight coaches honored at last year’s district’s scholar-athlete and coach-community recognition banquet, tends to downplay her role in her team’s success, pointing to the fact that she had a quartet of athletes who sport a 4.0 GPA and strong leadership from her co-captains.
But all three co-captains say Kellogg has made all the difference in the world to the Royals.
“She pushes us. She knows our every move,” Barlette said. “She knows how to make us better as a player and as a team.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
