The Le Mars Community volleyball team graduated 10 seniors from their 2024 roster, and they have 10 roles to fill heading into 2025.
Outside of the typical hitters, setters, and defensive specialists, a role that was left up for grabs was the role of leader. Le Mars head coach Jess Wolles says many of the new seniors have stepped up to lead the team early in the preseason.
Coach Wolles says she has a good mix of girls who can play front row and back row giving her some options with where to play her athletes.
The graduation of 10 seniors left holes in some of the key positions on the court. Brenna Leraas was Le Mars’ libero last year helping the team out to the tune of four digs a set. Kali Cunningham will be taking on the different colored jersey while also playing tennis this fall. Coach Wolles says that has allowed her to see the dedication she has to putting work in.
At the setter position, Aubree Leusink averaged seven assists per set leaving another void to fill. Ashley Hurd will be stepping into that position for the Bulldogs after playing a few varsity sets last year. Coach Wolles says Hurd has proven to be an aggressive setter so far in the preseason.
Making the jump from junior varsity to varsity is something a lot of this year’s team will be doing for the first time. Coach Wolles says that has shown in some early season scrimmages, and the girls will need to use the next couple of weeks wisely to pick up the pace for a tougher game.
Le Mars opens their season on Thursday, August 28 with a tournament in Sheldon.
