With that being said, the Vikings do return a solid nucleus of experienced players, including senior Kelsey Isaman (Outside Hitter), junior Ellie Welch (Middle Hitter/Setter), sophomores Anna Roisum (Middle Hitter/Setter) and Hazel Haugrud (Outside Hitter) and freshman Morgan Korf (Libero).  Other returning letter winners are senior Kia Nelson (Setter), and juniors Claudia Gurath (Right Side) and Marie Backstrom (Right Side).

Newcomers vying for varsity playing time are sophomores Grace Backstrom (Right Side), Zayla Arrow (Right Side) and Zayli Arrow (Middle Hitter).  “Grace has made huge gains this summer and can play many positions on the court,” noted Coach Isaman.  “Both Zayla and Zayli have potential to get some quality minutes with the varsity in the front row this fall.”

Jill Roisum, Marie Heiberg, Amanda Belz, Madison Oswald and Whitney Gravalin round out the coaching staff.

“We were a very young team last year, but with only losing two seniors this group will be more experienced and confident to compete at a higher level,” said Coach Isaman.  “Our serve receive and defense have made some huge gains over the summer and we are pretty scrappy, which is fun to watch.  This team has great unity and chemistry which is key in a successful volleyball team.  We have an energetic and very coachable group of girls that want to work hard.  We are still working at being more powerful and aggressive in the front row so that is a big rock we are wanting to focus on this season.  Our depth is not huge, so keeping everyone healthy will be a big key this season!”

Isaman says Hawley, DGF, Perham and Barnesville will be battling for the top spot in a very competitive Heart O’ Lakes Conference.