NEW GLARUS — The Glarner Knights lost a heart-breaker in the regional final in 2021, but with nine returning letterwinners, optimism awaits the 2022 season.

Back for New Glarus is three-time all-conference setter and hitter Grace Nommensen to lead the way. Second-team all-conference hitter Amber Horn also returns, as does junior setter and two-year starter Lindsey Schadewalt. 

“Grace Nommensen is entertaining post-high school playing opportunities. She passed the 1000 assist mark last season and could reach 500 career kills this season,” said Kayla Zimmerman, now in her fourth year as Knights head coach. “Amber Horn is planning to continue playing volleyball at UW-Stevens Point next year. Lindsey Schadewalt could reach 500 assists this season.

Sprinkle in a heavy dose of experience from Veronica Tollakson, Carrah Bainbridge, Izzy Zimmerman, Morgan Kleeman, Jordyn Runde and Jenna Kratz, and the Knights are confident in the forecast.

Newcomer Payton Schneider will also likely play a role on the varsity this year, too.

“Payton will make an impact on the court this season, no matter which position,” Zimmerman said. “We are on a mission to compete for the top of the conference. Many of the girls have been three- and four-year starters, and have played through tough seasons. They have goals to keep elevating New Glarus volleyball.”

Zimmerman said last year’s success, which included a 22-11 overall record and an 8-2 mark in the Capitol South, has given her players “a taste of winning, and remain committed to working hard to keep building and growing.”

Two positions in the rotation were vacated by graduation, but the returning depth will be a key factor. The program is flush with talent and overall depth, with 44 girls signed up to play this season.

“We are going to be focusing on defense this season. Our goal is to have a back row corps on the court that will compete for each defensive point,” Zimmerman said.

While the Knights are optimistic, they have a chance at winning the program’s first conference title since 1983, Zimmerman understands challenges await from all the teams in the Capitol South.

“Waterloo is the team to beat again. However, we can’t look past any team in our conference.  Belleville and Wisconsin Heights know how to snatch wins. Cambridge and Marshall both began to hit their strides at the end of the last season, and were very competitive,” Zimmerman said.