The fall season is upon us and after a three-season long hibernation period the Highland Huskies are gearing up to tackle what should be an exciting volleyball season. 

It has been a steady upwards climb for Highland volleyball in the last four years. Going from three wins to seven wins to 11 wins to last year’s 13-win season, the Huskies will look to continue to improve in 2023. 

Highland will be led by second year head coach Shannon Hills-Copeman. In her first year as head coach Hills-Copeman guided Highland volleyball to their most wins since 2016.  

Last year Highland defeated Tri-County in three straight sets in the first round of the postseason and advanced to a second-round matchup against Central City. Falling to Central City, 3-1, Highland’s 2022 season came to an end with a 13-15 record.  

Highland said goodbye to five seniors in the offseason, but this year’s team will have no shortage of veteran leadership and talent. Out of the 14 players on Highland’s varsity roster 10 are seniors with the other four being juniors.

Entering her senior year, look for accomplished multi-sport athlete Sarah Burton to put together another impressive season on the volleyball court. 

Excelling on both offense and defense outside hitter Burton was the team leader in kills (203), in digs (258), and had the second most blocks (14) last year. Her tremendous efforts last season earned her first-team all-conference honors.  

Other returning Huskies who will make a major impact on defense are juniors Lilly Barre and Adeline Krotz, who were both honorable mention all-conference last year. 

Barre ended last season with 146 digs while Krotz finished with 156 digs and a team leading 23 blocks. 

Krotz can also shine on offense. While serving last year she connected on 25 service aces, tied for third most on the team. With a kill efficiency of .121 she ended her sophomore year with 101 kills, the second most on the team.  

Highland’s senior setter, Grace Prybil, aims to build off of her impressive junior season. 

Among the Huskies last year Prybil dished out the second most assists with 192. In addition to almost reaching 200 assists she ended the 2022 season with 91 digs, 39 kills, and 16 service aces. 

With a team filled with highly talented veteran players Highland will no doubt have loftier goals this year and they have more than a good enough shot of meeting those expectations. 

Highland began their 2023 volleyball season on August 21 when they traveled to Keota for a varsity tournament. Rescheduled from August 22 the Huskies will go on the road to challenge Belle Plaine on August 28.