BRODHEAD — The last time the Cardinals stepped onto the volleyball court was in a sectional semifinal on Halloween in 2019. Playing on the home court, Brodhead lost a 5-set thriller to River Ridge and finished the season 31-12 overall.
Two starters from that squad have since graduated, honorable mention all-conference defensive player Catherine Speckman, and 4-year starter and second-team all-conference middle hitter Katie Goecks.
The rest of the squad is back, including first-team all-conference hitter Abbie Dix, who made a name for herself as a freshman in 2019 with a 37.2 kill percentage and 97 blocks. Also returning is sophomore setter Alexis Kammerer, who was named second-team all-Rock Valley with 993 assists.
Throw in seniors Sabrina Siegel (58 aces), Nataley Bump and Bailey Matthys, plus juniors Kiarra Moe (208 digs), Madisyn Kail (56 aces) and Daisy Nelson, and sophomore defensive specialist Kaidynce Bevars, and the Cardinals have a breadth of returning talent.
“Our nine returners are a mix of age and are packed with experience and dedication,” 11-year head coach Erin Kammerer said. “Our team strength is based on our nine returners and their ability to play multiple positions. We need to find team chemistry as quickly as possible and work on routes with tempo.”
Brodhead’s three seniors are expected to not only be leaders on the court and in practice, but to “shape this season into the best situation to end their high school careers,” Kammerer said. With the COVID-19 pandemic pushing the program’s season back nearly six months — and shortening it as well — the team needs to get over several annual hurdles early in order to be successful.
“One of our biggest challenges will be how we handle change,” Kammerer said. “Mental toughness, flexibility and team chemistry will be a focus, but the players need to learn resiliency, determination and persistence as a team to achieve long-term success.”
The coaching staff is looking for the junior class to begin the process of stepping into leadership roles, as well as becoming more consistent in the fundamentals of the game, like strong serving and executing routes. Kammerer also wants her juniors to grow their court IQ and understand what is expected of them in each situation.
The sophomore class is filled with talent and potential, and the coaching staff wants them to speed up their offensive style. Setter Alexis Kammerer’s style is to run the court and create opportunities for the hitters, while Dix will look to put the ball away from both the back and front rows, as well as limit opposing team’s offensive opportunities by using her 6-foot frame to block shots.
The Rock Valley Conference is filled with Division 2 schools, which means the Cardinals will have to speed up its tempo, Kammerer said. “Our team goal is consistent from year to year and plays into our culture: Be gritty and competitive.” East Troy won the state championship in 2019, and Whitewater and McFarland have strong programs and talented players.
