After falling one win shy of a state tournament berth, the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge volleyball team is using that drive in preparation for 2025.
Julie Kvols will be starting her ninth year with a group of 17 out for the Bears.
Katie Kvols will be a new assistant while Jordan Jansen is returning assistant.
Seniors include Tyler Recob and Laney Folkers.
LCC continues to work on their serve receive, lots of ball control, serving and defense.
While also hosting a youth camp and traveling out to Valentine for a team camp, the Bears were put to the test against top Class A JV teams during the Creighton camp and took runner-up.
"The message for the first week and our team mantra is 'give to be great," said Julie Kvols. "They all are really good athletes, but in order to be great, they need to give a little bit more."
The Bears lost high-energy players in a middle, outside and defensive specialist.
Junior Rena Rasmussen will anchor the middle, junior Carlie Kvols will return as the starting setter and Recob will play more of an outside position in a new role.
Junior Kaida Eriksen at outside and a transfer student, junior Boston Brown are also doing great things.
There are six juniors and also all five freshman will bring solid fundamentals which is helpful for competition in the gym.
"I want to see more serve receive and more aggressive serving," Kvols mentioned. "I think that will win us more games if we serve a little bit more aggressive and of course defense."
The LCC volleyball team welcomed the public while opening the gym to the community Thursday night before going down to Cruise Night and will host GACC for a jamboree on Thursday, August 21 at 6 p.m.
Rena Rasmussen (Middle), Recob (RS/OH) and Carlie Kvols (setter) spoke with the Wayne Herald prior to an early morning practice on August 12.
Rasmussen highlighted what the group worked on over the summer, team goals and a note to the underclassmen.
"Lifting, working hard as a team and showing up to open gyms to get more reps," said Rasmussen. "Winning some tournaments and being conference champions...always just come, work hard and have a positive attitude."
Recob mentioned the team has been working on their conditioning and wants to work towards hosting a district final match.
"Excited to see everyone play together," Recob added. "Stay committed and work hard...support is the biggest thing and it helps us play better."
Carlie Kvols mentioned the Bears were also working on increasing their agilities and verticals with a goal of winning conference.
"Excited to see everyone play together this year with a new group of girls," said Carlie Kvols. "Underclassmen will need to be coach-able...to the fans: we've worked hard, come see it and support us."
The Bears finished 28-5 last season, falling one win shy of the state tournament ending with a four set loss at Battle Creek in the Class C1-8 District Final.
A match on the calendar that has been circle since schedules were announced is that LCC will travel to Battle Creek for a road triangular on August 28 at 5:30 p.m. along with West Holt.
"These girls are fun to watch," said Kvols. "They hit hard, they play hard, they gave so much energy and effort this summer. I'm so proud of them."
The Bears are hungry to beat Battle Creek to start the season after ending in Districts last year at Battle Creek.
