Page 38 - 2016

‘Change is always a challenge." No one knows ii better than
the Ralston varsity volleyball team. "Going into this season with
an open mind made it easy to adapt and adjust,” said senior Lexi
Yagodinski. An open mind is what every volleyball player and
coach had to do this season. When new coach Bo Young entered,
he shaped a new program that changed the way the players and
coaches fashioned their season completely.
For seniors Maddie Gold, Lexi Yagodinski, and Carly Fonara,
“the thought of putting on our Ralston varsity jerseys for the last
time is bitter sweet,” said Yagodinski. These three seniors have
worked hard to earn their spot on the team. Gold, Fonfara, and
Yagodinski contributed immensely to the team with their talent,
humor, and liveliness. On Senior Night, posters saying "We will
miss you” were 100% true, and the three added a fun, enjoyable
vibe to the team that will be dearly missed after graduation.
Coach Yong and his new coaches were respected by the
athletes and connected with the team. A well-rounded team means
better playing and better playing means more success. Not only
did the coaches help bring in wins and a better team in general,
they brought in more opportunities. The girls now have the ability
to participate in club volleyball so they can keep improving as
well as playing throughout the year and gain more experience that
will show for years to come.
New coaches and a new program brought forth a new
beginning. Many anticipated what was to come of the volleyball
program. Forging a path to success and state was their goal. "A
positive attitude and a drive for the game is all we need,” said
Yagodinski. This positive attitude guided them through the close
games to push through for a win and the drive kept them going
when they didn't think they could. All around, the team faced the
challenges head on. Ralston volleyball made the best of the last
season with their seniors and created new memories with new
coaches.

Another Kill Senior Madison Coltl hits on the right side, one of her 109
kills in her career at Ralston. They were wearing their white away jerseys
in this picture, instead of their new solid red or blue jerseys.
Happily Playing. Senior libero Lexi Yagodinski
O
going in for junior Hannah Buswell in the back
row. Yagodinski has played all four years while
o
£
Buswell has played three. The varsity volleyball
team is very bonded.