“This year’s varsity team is being led by 6 senior leaders who are willing and ready to share their knowledge of the game,” said Head Coach Megan Askegaard, now in her 16th season.  “They are a very talented group of ladies who are very versatile when it comes to positions on the court.  Their team chemistry is strong and they are looking forward to giving it their all their senior year.  We are looking forward to ‘Raising the Bar’ and getting back to where we were last season.  We lost a great deal of talent and leadership last year and we have some work to do to rebuild to start, however, I do still expect to see great things on the court from this group of athletes.”

Top players for the Trojans include seniors Amelia Newell (Setter), Kenadee Gray (Defensive Specialist), juniors Abby John (Middle Hitter), Sophie Frederick (Setter), Macie Pauna (Outside Hitter) and Lexi Hoeft (Outside Hitter), sophomore Aubryn Hinsz (Middle Hitter) and senior Mallory Rasmussen (Right Side).

“Amelia is a very versatile player who can do it all,” stated Coach Askegaard.  “Look for her to be attaching from both outside pins as well as setting some balls from the back row.  She has a great deal of experience and is a very smart player.  Kenadee is very athletic in the back court.  She plays terrific team defense and has quick reactions to plays as they are happening.  Look for her to fill the role of the team’s libero this season.  Abby plays big above the net in the middle.  She is returning from an ACL injury that sidelined her last season.  She has an incredible jumping ability and is so quick on her feet.  She will be big for us in the front row, blocking from pin to pin and attacking out of the middle.  Sophie will be sharing some time setting with Mia Askegaard and will allow us to run some different options on offense.  She is quick to the ball and is smart with her setting placement.  Macie is a strong defensive player who reacts well and is always ready for the next play.  She will also play in the front row, putting some kills down for us.  I look for Lexi to provide an aggressive attach from the outside pin as well as playing some strong defense.  Aubryn has an incredibly fast arm swing.  She is quick in the middle to put up a big block and works hard.  Mallory has a strong arm swing, reads her blockers well and can put a ball in play on the other side of the net.”

Rounding out the senior class are Paige Braton (Outside Hitter), Brynn Sossa (Defensive Specialist), Ava Foster (Defensive Specialist), Elisabeth Mulcahy (Defensive Specialist).

Ashley Maneval, Lydia Braton, Isabell Snobl and Lexi Bontjes (Injured – Torn ACL) round out the varsity roster.

“Look for this year’s team to play some scrappy defense in the back row as well as putting up a wall on the net with some height in the front row,” said Coach Askegaard.   “They have set very high expectations for themselves.  I believe they are ready to come out and compete at the varsity level this year.  We have phenomenal numbers this season in the sophomore and freshman class, as well as 7 seniors, 6 juniors and 3 sophomores, which means we will be able to field 4 teams and play a full schedule this year.”

Askegaard will be assisted by Kailee Strand (JV), Maizey Berg (B Team) and Janet Rasmussen (C Team).  Volunteer assistants include Jess Paschke, Amanda Scheffler, Taylor Karger and Madison Haman.

Askegaard points to DGF, Hawley, Perham and Roseau as the top teams in Section 8AA, with the Rebels, Nuggets and Yellowjackets at the top of the HOL.