Returning Leaders Fuel Decorah Volleyball Team's Hopes for Season

Your support keeps truth alive in Decorah—donate to local news today! DECORAH — The energy in the Decorah High School gym was amplified by blaring Top-40 pop music as the volleyball team bumped, set and spiked to the sound of Bruno Mars. There was a lot of movement. A lot of positive communication. Coach Gina Holthaus affirmed: "We are blessed to have a great group of young ladies returning to our gym!" The gym was full, with three nets and six squads scrimmaging against each other. "I'm excited to [be in] the gym with these ladies!" said Coach Holthaus. "They are fun to be around and love the game of volleyball!" They do have fun and they do love the game, but they're serious about winning too. The team returns seven letterwinners, two of whom were first-team Northeast Iowa Conference selections last year: seniors McKinley Massman and Dylin Thompson. Other returning senior letterwinners include: Brooklyn Fromm, Kelby Kerndt, Sydney Thompson, and Renae Wilson, along with junior Audrey Essa. Additionally, Coach Holthaus is excited for contributions from seniors Jerikah Dodd, Clara Hjelle, Annika Schmelzer, Jasera Tweten, along with sophomore Anna Knaack. The team lost some key players from last season, but, as Coach Holthaus mentioned: "Fortunately, a large nucleus of our lineup from last year does return, and most of those girls committed to getting stronger. Many of these girls also played some type of club ball over the winter." And Coach Holthaus is excited to see how the senior leadership guides the team. "It's a special group of seniors who have really stepped up, trusted each other, and played a lot of volleyball," said Coach Holthaus. "Hopefully, they will hold each other accountable, buy in, and trust the process and coaches, and at the end of the season we will all feel good about our accomplishments! I am extremely hopeful that we will have a great season." The team starts season play on August 26 in Prairie du Chien followed by a match in West Union on August 28. Following a tournament in Grinnell on August 30, the team hosts their first home match on September 2 against St. Ansgar. The team's full schedule can be found here. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.