MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES SPIKE VOLLEYBALL: ’08 Squad Wins at State
VOLLEYBALL | 11.3.08 SENIORS TAKE PROGRAM TO NEW HEIGHTS, GET STATE HARDWARE
While multi-sport athletes are the norm at BK, that’s not the case with elite prep volleyball programs. At large 4A schools with deep volleyball tradition, this boutique sport demands specialization. For this year’s BK seniors — mainly a collection of lacrosse and basketball players bringing their natural talent to the small court — their own “specialty” became puncturing the theory of specialization.
The seniors, who regularly compete in championship games in other sports, applied what they’ve learned elsewhere and took BK volleyball to the next level. The result of this special combination of self-directed leadership and athleticism: the best volleyball season at BK since 2003, and one of the finest post-season performances in school history.
The Knights veteran lineup included three players in their third season on varsity: Mariah Adcox, Cassie Brunelle, and Amy Johans; and two seniors in their second varsity season, Gabby Alonso and Meredith Metsker. All five seniors had committed the full four years to volleyball at BK, and only Alonso plays the sport in the off-season.
The seniors led the team to a 10-4 SIC record, second only to perennial powerhouse, Skyview and the Hawk’s repeat coach of the year Kevin Murphy. They also placed at weekend tournaments in Walla Walla and Hailey during the season. Then, calling upon experience in basketball and lacrosse, the Knights fought through postseason matches to earn a spot in the District Championship game, where they fell to to Skyview.
Then it was on to the 4A State Volleyball Championships, a rare achievement at Bishop Kelly in recent years. The event was highlighted by a second round win, highly competitive games against Bonneville and Skyview (again), and a 5th Place finish. The Knights capped the season by winning Team Sportsmanship Award at the state tournament.
