MONROE — The Cheesemakers have a new head coach this volleyball season, but she’s not without some pedigree. Cassie Wittmann (Wymer) helped lead Brodhead to its first state tournament back in 2008. Now she takes over a Monroe program trying to turn the corner after nearly two decades looking up at someone else in the conference standings, including a 1-9 mark overall last spring in the Alternate Fall season, and a 1-3 mark in the Badger South. 

“As a program, we ask that players make a commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, success, and hard work at the beginning of the season and carry that throughout the season as it progresses,” Wittmann said. 

Of the many team goals, one is to improve by just 1% each day. “Whether that be at practice or in a match to ensure that we can peak at the end of the season going into the postseason,” Wittman said. “Another goal is to be accountable to each teammate to help each other grow and improve individually and carry that over into team play.”

Wittmann’s coaching philosophy is not only to develop the skills of her players that they need to be successful on the volleyball court, but to “create a program that promotes hard work, respect, and one that emphasizes success in the classroom and community,” Wittmann said. “A successful program is not built on talent alone, but when individuals in the program strive to improve on and off the court each day.”

Of those that graduated this after last season, the loss of captain Zoee Pond might be the biggest of all. The current collegiate player was a coach on the court and could play any position. To fill her shoes, the team will turn to a trio of seniors that saw plenty of court time at the next last year: Lydia Butler, Elly Wild and Taylor Broge. Kyla Ziolkowski also saw time at the net and service line, and is expected to bring senior leadership to the program this year as well. Junior Corrina Snider is a defensive specialist that has shown strong accuracy with passing in early season practices.

“I think that our strengths this season will be perseverance and overcoming adversity,” Wittmann said. “Another aspect to always remember is that ‘Great teammates are willing to sacrifice some individual opportunities for team success.’ Each member of this program should be willing to accept that change, try new opportunities, and respect decisions made.”