Lyla Stuurmans is part of a pack of talented, battle-tested Wolf senior spikers. (Photo courtesy Sarah Stuurmans)
The table is set. Now it’s time for the Wolves to feast.
Featuring an exceptionally deep group of seniors, the Coupeville High School volleyball squad will look to earn a repeat trip to state this fall.
Last November the Wolves advanced to the Yakima Valley SunDome for the 2B state championships, where they aggressively scrapped with Lind-Ritzville-Sprague and Goldendale, who finished second and seventh respectively.
Now, having lost only two players from that squad, Cory Whitmore’s spikers have their hearts set on making another run, but bringing home their own hardware this time.
“The team has a number of lofty goals, and I look forward to helping them along,” Whitmore said. “We will push the varsity team to utilize each game and tournament opportunities to prepare for postseason play.
“Like every year, we will push to be at our peak at the right time and push deep into the playoffs.”
Jada Heaton (left) and Katie Marti want to go back to state. (Jennifer Heaton photo)
This is Whitmore’s ninth year at the helm of the Wolf spiker program, and his squads have posted a winning record every previous season.
He enters 2024 boasting an 88-43 mark, with Coupeville having posted double-digit win totals every year except 2020, when the pandemic limited the team to just nine matches.
But, as always, the volleyball guru likes to keep the spotlight on his players.
And this time out he’ll have a roster deep in players who have extensive varsity time under their belts.
Seniors Katie Marti, Madison McMillan, Jada Heaton, Taylor Brotemarkle, Lyla Stuurmans, and Mia Farris are joined by junior Teagan Calkins, and all played vital roles on last year’s team.
That squad, which also featured the now graduated Issabel Johnson and Grey Peabody, won 10 straight matches at one point and handed four-time defending state champ La Conner its first league loss in many years.
“We will have a very experienced roster this season, with our (tentative) varsity roster having had significant varsity playing time in previous seasons,” Whitmore said.
“It has already been evident in our first few practices – we are starting from an advanced place of understanding and practices have been intense and fast-paced.
“Having played a lot in the regular rotation last season – each one of them has elevated their game in some form or another, which will be fun as we fit pieces together.”
A number of talented younger players will vie for what playing time is available, and to ready themselves to take the reins in future seasons.
Sophomores Lexis Drake and Dakota Strong and freshmen Adeline Maynes and Tenley Stuurmans joined the veterans at team camp this summer.
“They did a great job absorbing information, growing and adjusting to a fast game,” Whitmore said. “We aren’t sure if they will crack the varsity lineup just yet, but they are exciting additions to the gym.”
Taylor Brotemarkle and her fellow seniors will help prep Coupeville’s young players to take over the program. (Jackie Saia photo)
Meshing the veterans with the newbies is key to continued success, and Wolf coaches are pleased to see the older players step up.
“They’ve already stated a large goal will be to build strong connections with younger players,” Whitmore said. “Our older players can really make an impact on the future of the program.”
Even for those with plenty of experience, the chance for growth is always a priority.
“Although this group has a lot of experience and skill, they have plenty to learn and they’re also excited to learn more and more,” Whitmore said.
“They hold themselves, and even others, accountable to do what it takes to improve the details. This will 100% be the strength of this group, and a big part of the fun in coaching this group.”
Through the first week of practice, which included a team unity camp, the Wolves have embraced the idea of team.
“Another strength of the group will be their genuine pleasure at seeing the success of others,” Whitmore said. “They want to do well for and with each other, and celebrate victories, big or small.
“I also think this group can see their own potential and are excited to reach it – this is absolutely a strength of the group as it will push them to stay motivated throughout the season.”
While La Conner had its run of state titles and league crowns snapped last year, the Braves are always dangerous.
As is defending Northwest 2B/1B League champ Orcas Island, which joins Mount Vernon Christian in moving up from 1B to 2B but loses several key players.
Regardless of who the opponent is, Whitmore wants his crew ready to dictate the action.
“I would like to see this group push themselves on their ability to adapt to situations,” he said.
“At team camp I was able to facilitate lineups and then take a step back to observe as they communicated and solved problems together, so I know that they are capable of this goal to adapt.
“We will want to make adaptations to a variety of situations as well as scouting opponents,” Whitmore added.
“I would also like us to continue to work on our attack efficiency – each player will need to accept their role in that process, but our ball control is strong enough so I know this is also something they can continue to push toward improving so long as that control remains.”
Madison McMillan and friends are back for one more run at glory. (Jackie Saia photo)
Whether it’s a league tilt or a non-conference tussle, the Wolves need to be ready each time they step into the gym.
“A big emphasis for this group will be to both be preparing for postseason play, while also staying grounded in the present,” Whitmore said.
“We will need to take each game as the most important game we will play, and as an opportunity to improve.
“This is to say we will treat all of our opponents with respect and make sure that we play our game, no matter the team we are facing.”
