Lessons learned: Monticello girls grow in USA Volleyball


DeLainy Fellinger of the Heat 14-and-under team (11), along with co-coaches Stacie Breitbach (back, left) and Riley Melchert, celebrate a big point during the Monticello tournament. (Photos by Pete Temple)

Among those celebrating a point for the Monticello Heat 16-and-under team are Kenna Melchert (red headband) and Gabby Gadient (right, facing camera).

McKenzie Mysak fires off a serve for the Heat 14-and-under team.

Members of the Monticello Heat 17-and-under team, first row from left: Maddie Lambert, Savanah Kremer and Shalay Bronemann. Second row: Caitlyn Cruise, Rileigh Lambert, Maria Recker and Lauren Ries. Not pictured are Jaelynn Kraus, Macy McDonough and coach Kris Kremer. (Photo submitted)

Members of the Monticello Heat 16-and-under team, first row from left: Lauren Shady, Gabby Gadient, Leah Holub and Destiney Knapp. Second row: coach Ashley Kremer, Carly Hayen, Megan James, Kenna Melchert, Marissa McNally and Jordan Lorenzen.

The Monticello Heat 14-and-under volleyball team, first row from left: McKenzie Mysak, Allison Barnhart, Tori McDonald, DeLainy Fellinger, Caroline Olson and Adele Hogan. Second row: co-coach Stacie Breitbach, Megan Mahoney, Aubree Fairley, Maddie Stadtmueller, Reese Cox, Beka Prull and co-coach Riley Melchert.

The Monticello Heat 11-and-under volleyball team, first row from left: Keziah McQuillen, Kinzi Schlarmann and Kendra Mescher. Second row: Raegan LaGrange, Marisa Kehoe, Jordan Fangman and Sami McElmeel. Not pictured is coach Kim McQuillen. (Photo submitted)
By: 
Pete Temple
Express Sports Editor

     Playing in Monticello’s USA Volleyball program is about more than improving skills.

     Being part of the team is a big part of it. So is playing competitively. But perhaps the most significant thing Monticello’s girls get out of it is learning.

     “The girls are the referees, line judges and scorekeepers for matches at tournaments,” said Kim McQuillen, one of the program’s coaches. “This helps them to focus on not only the game but the rules of the game of volleyball. They gain a lot of game experience and learn to work together as a team.”

     There are four Monticello teams, one each in the following age groups: 17-and-under, coached by Kris Kremer; 16-and-under, Ashley Kremer; 14-and-under, Stacie Breitbach and Riley Melchert; and 11-and-under, McQuillen.

     Practices begin in January, and tournaments run through March. The teams generally practice twice a week, at varying times.

     “It gives the girls more opportunities to practice individual skills,” Breitbach said. “They also get to work as a team and play competitively. The more touches the players get, the better they will be come fall. I also think they really enjoy it.”

     Kris Kremer said the coaches enjoy it too.

     “I enjoy seeing the girls grow and improve each year,” she said. “I love the sport of volleyball, and it is fun to share the love of the sport with these girls.”

     The Monticello teams have enjoyed success this season. The 11-and-under Heat won the Springville league tournament, and the Wilton tournament, and finished second in Monticello’s home tournament Feb. 18. The 14-and-under team also was second in the Monticello tournament.

     The 17-and-under squad has been second in two tournaments, and the 16-and-under team has earned a pair of consolation runner-up spots while improving its win total over last year.

     Monticello’s teams are under the umbrella of the Springville USA Volleyball program.

     “It works out really well, and if needed we can share kiddos,” Breitbach said. “We haven’t had to as of yet, but it gives us options.”

     Monticello also has girls in grades 5-7 playing in a traveling league with several surrounding schools. Several of the high school players coach these teams. Monticello will host a tournament for those teams March 25.

     McQuillen said she enjoys “watching the girls improve their skills and the knowledge about the game. They go from just passing the ball back and forth across the net to trying to get a bump, set and spike. I also love to watch them come together as a team on and off the volleyball court.”

 

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