Mount Si volleyball hopes to be as strong as ever
August 6, 2008
By Ryan Piersol
It took 13 years for the Mount Si volleyball program to once again become state-tournament-caliber.
The Wildcats have no intention of starting over again.In fact, after making the state tournament for the first time in more than a decade, Mount Si believes it may only be getting better.
“I think our program is definitely one of the top programs around,” head coach Bonnie Foote said. “And, personally, I think we’ll have a better team this year than we had last year. It’s just a matter of how we come together as a team and not worrying about anyone else.”
Last year, the Wildcats went on a late-season tear to qualify for the 3A state tournament, before losing to eventual state champion Hanford in four games in the opening round. Mount Si bounced back to defeat Timberline and Mount Spokane and place eighth, the first state placement by a Wildcat squad since 1990 and just the third ever.
Three collegiate-caliber players have graduated from that team, but the return of four other starters and a crop of talented youngsters has the state still talking about Mount Si.
In some ways, the Wildcats could be better. Setter Robyn Schirrmer was a first-year starter a year ago, but will enter this season with big-match experience and the ability to lead the team. Mount Si could also be much deeper than it was last season, thanks to a bevy of sophomores ready to play now.
Then, of course, there’s the simple fact that most of this year’s team has already played in a state tournament.
“I really think that will be a confidence boost for the girls,” Foote said. “They believe in themselves right now and they have the confidence to know they’ve been there. They really believe and they’re really talented.”
Leading the charge for the Wildcats are a pair of tall and athletic outside hitters. Miranda Pratt, who already has committed to play for the University of Idaho, returns for her senior season there. She’ll be joined by junior Summer Nash, who also is turning the heads of collegiate scouts.
In the middle, senior Mackenzie Peerboom returns. And, at libero, the Wildcats have another returning starter in Bethany Frieler.
Players like junior Sheila McAuly, sophomore Zoe Gogan and sophomore Aubrey Larion should help provide the team with plenty of depth and will challenge older players for starting spots.
This summer has provided a glimpse into Mount Si’s potential. At the University of Washington team camp, the Wildcats knocked off perennial 4A power Kentwood. Several team members also helped club teams to impressive finishes at the Emerald City Classic Invitational.
With this roster, many see Mount Si and Mercer Island as the favorites in KingCo 3A. Foote hopes, as the state-tournament appearances roll in and participation in volleyball increases, it will stay that way.
“It’s been very difficult to get it going in the Valley. It’s a basketball valley and it’s a soccer valley,” Foote said. “But, as far as being a well-respected program, I think we are there. And the ones who have put in work in the offseason have become really good and been able to go onto play college. Hopefully, that will continue.”
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