The Otters graduated Lily Pearson (team leader in hitting and blocking, now at Jamestown, ND), Emma Norgard (2-year starter as libero), Hallie Sheridan (amazing defensive specialist), Amzie Aho (Right side hitter/blocker), Hailey Macheledt (very versatile player), Greta Christenson (sparkplug player off the bench, left side defense) and Ingrid Salvesen (outside hitter who always brought positive energy to the floor).

“Last year we competed well in the Southwest Minnesota Challenge in Marshall, won our Blocktoberfest home tournament and were well prepared for the playoff, pushing Perham to the limits in a thrilling 5-set match, eventually losing the fifth set, 16-14,” recalled Head Coach Renee Erickson.

Despite losing all of that talent, the Otters do return a solid nucleus of players with varsity experience, starting with seniors Sabrina Fronning (Outside Hitter), Jade Zierden (Outside Hitter) and Kaia Strom (Setter), and juniors Hannah Prody (Middle Hitter) and Paige Pearson (Outside Hitter/Right Side Hitter).

Senior Audrey Mudford (Middle Hitter), and juniors Katie Strommen (Middle Hitter), Alaina Anderson (Outside Hitter/Right Side Hitter) and Alexis Ouren (Right Side Hitter) will also be in the mix for varsity court time.

“Our goal is to improve steadily throughout the season and improve our Central Lakes Conference and overall record,” said Coach Erickson.  “We also want to be well prepared for Section playoffs again this year and make a deeper push at that time of year.  Many of the players put in an excellent off season, building team chemistry and laying a solid foundation of individual and team skills to start the season.  We look forward to competing well each night and look to showcase our athleticism against all opponents.”

Erickson looks for Willmar, Brainerd and Sauk Rapids to be tough in the CLC, while Park Rapids, Pequot Lakes, Perham, Hawley and DGF will all contend in Section 8AA.

Denny Hystead, Sabrina Noon, Miranda Steer and Sheri Smith will all serve as assistant coaches.