The No. 14-seeded Vail Christian Saints claimed the 2A Region 11 title in November, defeating the No. 26 seed and sweeping past the No. 11 seed to advance to the state tournament for the second time in three years. Coach Britney Branson, a Singletree native, praised the team’s performance, saying, “It was so awesome; they did so great. We’re just so excited to be going to state.” The Saints wrapped up their season after two hard-fought matches at the state tournament.

 

Meanwhile, the Battle Mountain Huskies entered the 4A state tournament as the No. 4 seed, finishing their regular season with an impressive 23-3 record. Known for clutch performances and dramatic five-set victories following a 20-game win streak, their 2024 campaign ended with tough losses at the Denver Coliseum. A happy ending to the year: Keena Shikverg earned well deserved recognition as “All Conference Honorable Mention.” Congratulations Keena!

 

Here, Mary McClarrinon, Noelle Razee, and Keena Shikverg reflect on their journey, sharing their experiences, strengths, and dedication to their teammates.

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My mom always wanted a redhead volleyball player, and ever since she said that I knew I would play. In fourth grade, I went to WECMRD for recreation volleyball in Edwards. Then, in fifth grade, I took a big leap and committed to the United Volleyball Club of the Rockies in Glenwood. I learned fundamental skills there.  

 

The best part of volleyball at VCHS is the community and my teammates. You can count on a great student section in the stands at almost every home game. They wear togas and do ESPN themes! I love the energy in the gym, and my teammates mean the world to me. The leadership of this year's seniors has been incredible, and they inspire me to keep playing and become a better volleyball player and person. 

 

I look up to Emma Luce from Meeker; I vividly remember coming to watch her play Vail Christian in middle school. She was this unbelievable hitter that you couldn't take your eyes off of. I wanted, from my eighth-grade year, to be like her. She played at United and was in the same conference as my team; she made me believe that I could reach high. She later committed to Steven F. Austin, a Texas D1 school, and is now playing at CMU. She had opened doors for me, and she didn't even know it. 

 

I can be loud on the court, and I am a natural leader. I love to lead and make my teammates better. I like to be a big hitter for my team and take on pressure. My biggest struggle is when I get in my head in a game and shut down. My main goal for club volleyball is to work on body language and positivity in games. I will try to be like Noelle Razee, my senior. 

 

Volleyball has taught me so many things, but I would say the most important lessons are learning how to work hard and understanding leadership. Especially in club volleyball, I have to fight for my position; this lights a fire in me. It teaches me how to be competitive and achieve what I put my mind to; I think this mindset will make me successful in life. 

 

I have also learned how to fill a leadership role. I have learned from Britney Brown how to talk to my teammates maturely, I have learned what pressure a leader holds, and I have learned how to use my leadership skills to uphold the culture and inspire the younger years of volleyball players to come. 

Every year, there is an event for varsity players called “Midnight Madness.” It is the most engaging and fun thing ever. It is a bonding experience to start our season. I remember the games and funny moments from my freshman and sophomore years; I will conceal the details and surprises for future Saints! 

Our regional games were amazing. We went to Heritage Christian and played Calhan as well. As a team, we played together and with so much energy. We all had a fire in us to win because we didn't want these games to be our last with our seniors. We ended up winning it in a total of seven sets. Then we were off to States! It also happened to be my birthday! 11/11

 

Next season, I am looking forward to being a leader with my experience on varsity and becoming an upperclassman. I am so excited to bring up new freshmen and strengthen the special culture we have. I will interview for the captain spot and hope to be one next year. As a team, I am also looking forward to hopefully attending and being very successful at States!

 

Have fun!!! I want to share my love for the sport of volleyball, I have loved the team and the consistency of the sport. Enjoy working with your friends and play hard. If you want to become a great volleyball player, work hard and stay persistent. Come and play at Vail Christian!

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I started playing volleyball in 8th grade for the 7250 club team.

The best part of playing at Vail Christian is the culture that surrounds our program and the people who are a part of it. We have built a strong community of girls who are dedicated to volleyball and each other. 

 

My biggest inspiration in volleyball is the Nebraska volleyball team. I love the way they all support each other and have fun while playing!

 

The strongest part of my volleyball game is my communication on the court and if I could go back, I would love to improve my range of shots as a hitter.

 

I've learned how to be a leader on and off the court, how to build stronger relationships, and how to be disciplined.

 

My favorite memory of playing for Vail Christian was winning our Regional game and going to State!

 

The highlight of the past season was getting to know new girls on the team and getting to play with my friends from last season. 

 

I'm looking forward to watching my former teammates play and seeing the success they'll have in the sport.

 

My biggest piece of advice is to talk as much as possible on the court and show up with a positive attitude!

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I first started volleyball when I was in 3rd grade when I would go watch and practice with my sister Annika’s 6th grade team at ECCA. I always looked forward to the day that I was old enough to play for ECCA with my favorite pink knee pads. My sister is my biggest role model and that is why I originally started volleyball because whatever she liked to do, I always would try it out to see if I liked it. 

 

The best part about playing volleyball at BMHS is, at every home game, the varsity team has a pre-game ritual where we sing a portion of “We Will Rock You” in the locker room. This ritual contributes to our team unity and hype before a game.  

 

Gustavo (Tavo) Orona is my teammate Cynthia’s older brother who was my coach for Vail Volleyball Club when I was younger. He inspired me to learn as much as I could about this sport. He is the best volleyball player I know. He has taught me to focus on form and execution which will allow winning games to follow. 

 

The strongest part of my game is my ability to block out all the exterior pressure when I am playing volleyball. I have the mentality that when I step on the court, a surrounding bubble comes around the court, leaving only your team vs. the other team. This is my strength because no matter how loud the crowd is, the only thing that matters is that I’m having fun playing the sport I love without unneeded pressure. 

 

One thing I am working on improving is finding a way to put myself in my teammates’ shoes in order to create a stronger bond with each one of the girls. I think a strong team bond is necessary for a successful team. 

Some life lessons I have learned from volleyball are that it isn’t always about winning, it is more important to learn from your losses and personal growth. Also, I have learned that there is no need to dislike or hate any one of your teammates because in the long run they can become your true friend. Lastly, one of my biggest takeaways is volleyball doesn’t define your future or personality, the experiences that comes with volleyball helps you  become the best version of yourself. 

 

My favorite memory is freshman year when I played in my first varsity game. It was the biggest rivalry BMHS vs Eagle Valley and the whole student section was full. I will never forget that moment because it was the most thrilling and most overwhelming moment in volleyball I’ve experienced. My favorite part was when I made a clutch point and the student section cheered, “She’s a freshman!”

 

The highlight of the season was the fact that BMHS was able to host regionals. My favorite part was how many people came to support the game. In the first few points of the game, the crowd was the loudest I have ever heard it, and everyone wanted us to win. Finishing the night by winning regionals is unforgettable. 

 

Next season I look forward to continuing to play year-round beach volleyball. Beach volleyball is my favorite sport and one I hope to pursue in college. I will continue to travel to California for travel events and hope to gain new experiences that will help me succeed in the future. 

 

The biggest piece of advice I would tell any young person starting volleyball is to always believe in yourself and prioritize what you personally want to do. Never let any coach or adult cut you down or make volleyball unenjoyable. Your love for the sport should always strive from within. Remember to always have fun and learn from your losses and cherish your wins. 

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Best of luck to departing senior, Noelle, and we look forward to more great volleyball next year with Mary and Keena!