Contagious Energy

As the Polson High School volleyball team kicked off the season, the energy and excitement among the players was contagious. With a mix of experienced seniors and enthusiastic newcomers, this year’s squad is all about growth and teamwork. 

Captain Samantha Rensvold shared how she got into volleyball: “I started playing in fifth grade after going to a camp, and I really enjoyed it, so I stuck with it.” Now, as a senior, she’s focused on bringing the team together. She explains, “Being captain means a lot. I love leading and encouraging my teammates.” 

Practice sessions are intense. The team usually starts with a scrimmage, then moves into warm-ups and hitting drills. 

The friendships on the team are just as important as the skills they develop. McKenna Corley mentioned how much she loves her teammates: “Switching schools this year, I couldn’t say one bad thing about anyone. We really support each other.” This sense of camaraderie is a big part of what makes the team special. 

Both players have their eyes set on the future. Rensvold plans to play softball in college, while Corley hopes to continue volleyball. 

“Winning state is definitely our goal this season,” she said. “We’re working hard to improve every day.”  Rensvold is known for her strong passing skills and her ability to read the game.

“I think defense is where I really contribute,” Rensvold said. 

The coaches play a huge role in the players’ development. Rensvold credits her coaches for pushing her to get better through challenging drills and feedback. “They really help us grow,” she said. The support from coaches helps keep the team motivated and focused. 

Rensvold’s favorite thing about volleyball is, “the intensity of the rallies and the competitiveness.” That high-energy atmosphere makes practices and games exciting and fun. 

In their final home game, they took back the Paddle from rival team Ronan, winning in four sets. 

Their season came to a close at Divisionals, where the Lady Pirates went in as a 2nd seed with a record of 10-2 in conference. They beat Hamilton, lost to Frenchtown, and then lost to Columbia Falls.