We had a very successful summer season and played very well at the summer team camps we participated in. – Springville head coach Julia Smith said.
Coaches can do a lot for players when it comes to improving their skills, teaching them strategy and instilling confidence.
But there are some things a coach can’t change.
The experience of a player is one of them. The chemistry that exists between teammates is another.
Some of this year’s top 4A teams return a core of experienced players and are fortunate to have good team chemistry. Among the preseason favorites are squads like Springville and Skyline.
The Red Devils return six of eight starters, including Dixie State University commit Amanda Schultz.
“We had a very successful summer season,” said Springville head coach Julia Smith, “and played very well at the summer team camps we participated in.”
In summer tournaments, the Red Devils beat several of 4A’s perennial powerhouses including two-time defending state champion Timpview and fifth-ranked Bountiful.
“Our team has great attacking ability, but we also excel in passing and defensive skills,” Smith said.
Schultz is a four-year starter and three-year captain and provides stability to both the team’s offense as an outside hitter and its defense as one of its top back-row players. The team also returns senior setter Courtney Mackay, senior libero Cassidy Bowers and junior outside hitter Savannah Sumsion.
It isn’t just Smith who expects the Red Devils to be a front-runner for the 4A title.
“I haven’t seen a lot of 4A teams, but I think Springville is going to be a very good team,” said Skyline head coach Jami Hutchins.
As for how which teams will contend this season, Hutchins said that is more a mystery than he expected.
“I really don’t know this year,” he said. “Some teams that I thought were going to be in the mix maybe aren’t."
But whether it’s new teams turning heads or old favorites continuing their winning ways, Hutchins said Skyline will continue doing what it's done for years.
“We’ll just keep doing our same old thing,” he said. “We’ve been building this for years. …We’re senior strong.”
Skyline, like Springville, returns experience and maturity with nine seniors.
Hutchins said he recognized this group’s ability when they first arrived at Skyline three years ago.
“As they came in as sophomores, they were a special group,” he said.
“They were enemies through ninth grade, and then they automatically became best friends,” he said. “It shows. They just trust each other impeccably.”
Outside hitter Abby Selcho, outside/right side Abigail Olds, right side Taylor Monson, middle hitter Lauren Stephenson, setter Leah Boice and setter Macy Pingree are some of the key seniors the team will rely on. Sophomore middle Cameron Mooney will help the Eagles at the net.
In addition to Springville and Skyline, defending champion Timpview, Bountiful, Mountain View, Alta, Clearfield, Judge and Murray could all be in the mix this season to win state.
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