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-Photo of the messenger by Britt Kudla St. Edmond Returning volleyball letter winners are, left to right, Alyxis Mericle, Kiestin Clark, Aleah Anderson, Mya McClain, Emma Alstott
Josephine Alstott is sliding into a chair this volleyball season, assuming the role of head coach at St. Edmond.
Alstott, who spent several years helping the program as an assistant to Dee Huss, is a former All-State athlete at Aplington-Parkersburg who played varsity volleyball at Central. She has coached at various levels since 1996.
“Honestly, I was quite nervous at first about taking on the head coach job”, said Alstott. “I’ve been coaching these senior girls since they were in fifth grade in volleyball and basketball, so we have a strong bond. But it’s still different to be the head coach versus the assistant.
“The girls were very grateful and said they were happy to have me in this role because of the way I help them develop them and the impact I have. Honestly, I didn’t know it and it made me feel more comfortable.
Senior Alyxis Mericle returns after registering 33 wins last year. Her classmates Kierstin Clark, Emma Alstott, Mya McClain, Alyson Nieland, Aleah Anderson and Clare Conrad join her in bringing leadership and experience.
“The girls worked hard” said Alstott. “We were able to bring in Ankeny’s head coach Dave Whims and have a camp that really helped kick off our offseason. Since then we have been striving to improve, to learn what each player’s strengths are and to empower them to be their best.
Clark recorded 24 kills, Alstott 16 and McClain three. Mericle had 12 blocks, Anderson five and Clark three, McClain registering 25 aces and serving 98%.
The offense passed through Clark a season ago, when she had 253 assists leading the team. McClain added 13, Anderson and Mericle picking up two each.
The Gaels open their season Thursday in Greene County before hosting the St. Edmond Invitational on Saturday with Webster City, Southeast Valley, Bishop Garrigan, Pocahontas Area and Aplington-Parkersburg all set to attend.
Matt Reynoso and Darcie Shirbroun will help Alstott.
ST. VOLLEYBALL EDMOND
Listing
Seniors – Mya McClain, Alyxis Mericle, Clare Conrad, Alyson Nieland, Emma Alstott, Kierstin Clark, Aleah Anderson.
Juniors – Maddie Reynoso, Alex Tiernan.
Sophomores – Caitlin Croonquist, Abby Lawler, Ellie Driscoll, Kara McGonegle, Madison Hepperlee, Grace Kelley.
Freshmen – Sasha Hess, Lauren Gibb, Hadley Oswald, Ainsley Oswald, Cecilia Galvan, Gracie Rial, Selby Quinn, Claire O’Connor, Payton Bradley, Cambree Lunn, Lacey Larson.
Calendar
August 26 – in Greene County; 28 – host of the St. Edmond Invitational; 31 – Tempest Lake.
September 2 – in Clear Lake; 9 – Boone; 13 – in Eagle Grove; 16 – in Webster City; 21 – Hampton-Dumont / CAL; 30 – Iowa Falls-Alden.
October 5 – Humboldt; 7 – Clarion-Goldfield / Dows; 12 – Manson Northwest Webster; 14 – Algona; 16 – at the Algona Invitational.
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