The Shorewood volleyball team has a fresh start this season under new coach Anne Whipple.
Despite their struggles record-wise the last several years, the Thunderbirds believe they can be part of a turnaround this season.
“We’re the underdog team that wants to prove (itself),” senior outside hitter Sara Hefny said. “It’s a way to start fresh.”
The talent has been there, the players said, it’s a matter of focus.
“We’ve been having some really tough practices,” Hefny said. “Our coach is doing an extremely good job.”
Leading the way for the Thunderbirds are six seniors.
Senior Caroline Soules, a second-team all-Western Conference South Division outside hitter, stands 6 feet 1-inch and is “unstoppable,” Whipple said.
She’s joined by Hefny, a second-team all-Wesco South selection, and senior co-captain Thea Kempton on the outside.
The setters are senior co-captain Ari McInnes and junior Erin Hill.
Senior Katie Dapper plays middle blocker and outside hitter while senior Krissi Postor fills the defensive specialist position.
“Our defense is looking really good,” Hefny said. “We’re looking really balanced.”
Soules said the attitude of the T-birds has been good so far.
“This year we’ve all gotten along so well,” she said. “Everybody’s been really positive. We’ve bonded real well and been supportive of each other.”
Soules hopes for a senior year that includes a first-team all-league selection and playoff berth. She also would like to break her sister Natalie’s school record of 26 kills in a match.
Shorewood hopes to sneak into the 4A District 1 playoffs. Kamiak, Edmonds-Woodway and Jackson are expected to be the top 4A teams in the Wesco South, with Shorewood, Mountlake Terrace and Mariner battling for the final spot. Shorecrest, which went undefeated in the league last year, is the favorite along with Kamiak to win it this year.
Whipple, who served as head volleyball coach at Redmond in the late 1980s, played college volleyball at the University of Washington and was team captain her senior year. She graduated from Blanchet High School, the reigning 3A state champions.
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