Last year the volleyball team graduated seven seniors, compared to graduating only four this year. Returning varsity starter and senior, Leah Wahlquist, mentioned, “Losing the seven seniors will be a challenge. We’re bringing up some underclassmen who will hopefully help out. We have some big leadership shoes that need to be filled.”

To prepare for the upcoming season the Lady Eagles have participated in weekly summer weights, volleyball camps, and even hosted their own summer league during the month of June. Wahlquist added, “I think working together during the summer helped all of us get used to each other and find out each other’s strengths and weaknesses.” Their head coach, Tonya Peck, has been on maternity leave and missed a few practices, but the team feels that while she has been gone that they were able to still stay on task and have successful practices.

This year, the team has set a goal of going back to the district championship and winning. Wahlquist stated, “It’s been three years since we’ve won the district championship. I’m hoping that we’ll go back and win this year, especially if that means beating Strafford.” Last year, the team made it to the championship game along with their rival, the Strafford Indians. After a well fought game the Lady Eagles ended up taking a loss.

A few key returning players this year will be Alana Findley (10), Shyan Proctor (11), and Harley Maxwell (10). As a returning varsity starter, Findley will be a big threat at the net. Last year she led Fair Grove in kills and blocks. Proctor will help out back row with her speed and skill, and Maxwell will also help out the front row with her height and blocking ability. Maxwell commented, “I want to beat Strafford in the district championship. They’re our rivals and they’re good. I also hope to improve my blocking ability more this season.”

The Lady Eagles will play in the district tournament at Strafford in hopes of claiming the district championship title.