Our volleyball journey began this summer with an exciting volleyball camp. The energy and eagerness the girls brought were truly invigorating! The season kicked off with an amazing turnout at tryouts, with 26 girls from 5th to 8th grade. Our three-day tryout was supported by the entire coaching staff—Coach Young, Coach Angie, and Coach Smith—all of whom played an essential role in this year’s selection process. Coach Janae McDowell and I couldn’t have done it without them. Their help was instrumental in creating a winning team.

Middle School teams serve as the foundation for junior varsity (JV), varsity, and even college volleyball. The girls are still developing their skills and work ethic. I love introducing the sport, building strong fundamentals, and watching players grow. The ultimate reward is seeing them improve and flourish as they progress to JV, varsity, and beyond. The synergy between SMCA’s middle school, JV, and varsity teams is truly special.

This is my fourth year coaching middle school volleyball, and I’ve loved every season. Watching the girls grow from being hesitant to confidently attacking the ball has been incredibly rewarding. In my first year, coming out of COVID, we didn’t have enough teams in the MISAL League to warrant a championship playoff. But entering my second year, knowing the championship game was within reach, gave us a new goal. The girls’ improvement from the start of the season to the end is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Coming in second place the last two years was tough because they had worked so hard.

This year’s team is historic. They are the FIRST SMCA middle school volleyball team to win a championship! The season began with some challenges, which is to be expected as most of the girls were new to volleyball. They were learning the game and figuring out how to communicate with their teammates, read the ball’s direction, and work together. The more they practiced, the better they became on the court.

The turning point for the girls came when we played at Grace Christian in a Bell Ringer game, which set us up for playoffs and the championship. The crowd was so loud that the girls couldn’t hear each other on the court, but they learned to read each other’s body language and movements. This game was a turning point—there were fewer dropped balls, more consistent serves, and better placement of the ball on the opposing side’s court. This was the game that showed their growth and set the stage for what was to come.

We were fortunate that the Championship Game was postponed, as it gave us extra time to prepare for a tough opponent in Holy Trinity. Holy Trinity is one of the only teams where every player can overhand serve, so I used the extra time to drill my girls on receiving hard serves.

They brought all their skills to the championship game against Holy Trinity, a team we had never beaten before. After losing to them earlier in the season, our growth and determination paid off. The girls dominated in the playoffs and the championship, and I couldn’t be more proud of their hard work. I’m also incredibly grateful to the JV and Varsity girls, as well as the supportive SMCA Coaching Staff and parents who contributed so much to our success.

I look forward to seeing my graduating 8th graders continue to contribute and help keep the JV’s championship streak alive, as they have been unstoppable since 2021.

-Coach Cunningham/Coach Janae

This year, our JV volleyball team achieved something truly remarkable: winning the MISAL Championship for the second consecutive year! What makes this victory even more special is the unique journey we had to get there. With only 8 dedicated athletes on the team, we faced numerous challenges, but through hard work, determination, and an unwavering sense of unity, we overcame them all to claim the championship title.

When I first joined as head coach in week 3 of the season, the team had already begun their journey. I knew we had a lot of ground to cover, but I believed in these girls from day one. In addition to my commitment, my assistant coach, April, stepped up and dedicated herself fully, despite already having a full plate. We were all in this together, and even though we started later than most teams, the energy and potential within this group were undeniable.

Despite having only 8 players, our team played with heart and tenacity. Each athlete stepped up and gave their all, no matter the challenge. From the first serve of the season to the final whistle of the championship match, this team showed what it means to play with grit. Every player brought something unique to the court, whether it was powerful serves, incredible defense, or the ability to stay calm under pressure. The commitment from each athlete was a huge factor in our victory. It wasn’t just about playing well; it was about playing together.

One of the most valuable aspects of this season was the guidance and mentorship we received from our Varsity coaches, Katelyn and Angie. Their support was instrumental throughout the season, as we leaned on their expertise during crucial moments. Whether it was strategy advice, technical drills, or just a word of encouragement, they helped us stay focused on our goals. Their leadership played a key role in our success, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity in sharing their knowledge with us.

The journey to the championship wasn’t easy. We faced tough competition, and there were times when the outcome of a match was uncertain. But every time we stepped onto the court, we played not just for ourselves, but for each other—and for God. In the final match, everything came together: the strategy, the hard work, the teamwork. The girls fought for every point and earned that championship with every ounce of effort they had.

Winning the MISAL Championship is an incredible achievement, and I couldn’t be more proud of what this team has accomplished. It wasn’t just about the trophy; it was about the growth of these young athletes—as players and as teammates. The lessons learned this season—about perseverance, teamwork, and leadership—will last far beyond the court. I am confident that each of these athletes will continue to grow and achieve great things in the future.

Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way: the parents who balanced busy schedules, the spectators who cheered and boosted morale, and the Varsity and Middle School Volleyball coaches!

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” I truly believe God called each one of us into this season, for this purpose, and for this moment. I am thankful and blessed for the opportunity to coach these young ladies and for the memories from this season.

-Coach Danielson