The Gehlen Catholic volleyball team will take the court this season under new leadership.
Jessie Bohnenkamp is the new head coach of the program after Dan Goebel had led the team for the last three seasons. Coach Bohnenkamp says she is transitioning from the assistant to the head coaching role well thanks to some help from many around her.
The Jays went 15-12 last season having their season end early in the regional quarterfinal round. The Jays were young in some spots last year, and it showed late in the season. Coach Bohnenkamp says developing some volleyball IQ early should help the team be successful later in the year.
After running a 6-2 rotation last year, the Jays will be relying on one setter this season to run their offense. Addi Castle is taking over the sole setting position as a sophomore after splitting the role with Rysaiah Sitzmann last year. Coach Bohnenkamp says she has adapted to that change well early in the year.
The Jays graduated their top three defensive players in the dig category off last year’s team, but they appear to have not missed a beat. With a new libero and some changes to the back line, Coach Bohnenkamp says that unit has shown some great things early on.
As the first matches of the year inch closer, Gehlen is putting some extra work implementing some key strategies for the new year. Coach Bohnenkamp says the Jays are focusing on playing efficient volleyball to limit chances for miscues in long rallies.
The Jays open their season tomorrow with a tournament in Sheldon. Their home opener takes place on Thursday, September 4 with a matchup against West Sioux.
