Unity, Hard-Work Could Be Key for Successful Harlan Community Volleyball

Unity, Hard-Work Could Be Key for Successful Harlan Community Volleyball -

(8-24-24) – Harlan Community Volleyball Coach Elle Crees love the unity and hard-work her team is building early on in camp.

“They've been such a fun group,” Crees recently told KNOD Sports. “The numbers of girls that we had just got opened gyms, things that weren't even required, it was just amazing to see them already wanting to get better, even at the freshman level. So that was awesome.”

It was a difficult season for the Cyclones last year, going 9-24 overall. Crees feels there were lesson that can be learned from last season.

“I think after reflecting at the end of last season, you know, it's just that ability to finish in, in the tough game it, it seemed like a lot of our tougher competition we hang in and play tough and work hard and then just in the end we couldn't pull it out and finish in the end. So that's kind of the biggest thing, I think after reflection of last year, we just got to be able to finish.”

Returning starters Aubrey Schwieso, Hope Preston, and Macy Mueller all bring their own unique skills and leadership qualities to the court, something Crees believes is a benefit to her team.

“They're all three great girls, but they all do just bring a little different spice, let's say, to the team. Aubrey and Hope, I would say, bring a lot more power and leadership through their actions. So they're going to put the ball down for us. They're going to pick the girls up, things like that. And Macy's more of our vocal leaders. She's going to tell the girls what we need to do and be more the voice in that aspect. So I think you know the three of them having the most experience and all of their differences, it really does benefit us kind of reaches all the players and their needs as well.”

Emercyn Reischl has done what she’s needed to in Crees’ eyes, to be the Cyclones new libero.

“She's worked really hard to earn that role and I think that competition and competitiveness inside her has really made her grow tremendously over the last two seasons.”

Newcomer Kensley Bruck will look to use her 6-2 frame in the middle to put up a “Bruck” wall against the competition.

“She came in (with) not a ton of experience the last couple of years, but she's grown and worked so, so hard to be in the position that she's at.”

Early on, Crees is hoping to see her Cyclones challenge their opponents.

“I just want us to come out competitive and play hard. Play together. Use that chemistry and just have fun. Put some wins together and grow. You know, no matter what happens in every match we got to grow and reflect and be better for the next match. So, hoping to snag some win and start season off strong.”

Harlan Community will begin their season with a tournament at ADM on Thursday.

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