Written by: Magnus Hansen and Harrison McGill
The Providence Academy Volleyball Team finishes their season as Conference Champions, as well as sets history by making it to the Semi-Finals of the Section Tournament for the first time in history.
Coming off of a strong previous season, the Lions returned over 80 percent of their varsity lineup and were primed to have a great year. With the introduction of a new coaching staff, hopes were high for the 2024 volleyball season.
“To prepare ourselves for our games, we would set our goals in the locker room beforehand. This helped us get in the right mindset and pushed us to work hard in every game,” Kyra Welch, ‘27, commented.
The Providence Academy Volleyball Team has had great seasons in the past. With a 15-3 record, this season marked their best season since the establishment of the school in 2001. This record didn’t come easy, as the Lions had to level up their intensity this year.
“We connected on and off the court as a team and it helped us increase our intensity in games. We had the same mindset every day, which made the process easier and we knew how to react in certain situations,” said Jada Preston Harris, ‘27.
The rest of the team agreed that this was a big change in their mentality from last year to now. This allowed them to be more positive and focused as a unit. With this newfound unity, the Lions went 10-0 in IMAC play, capturing the conference title for the second straight year.
“Winning the conference was definitely a highlight of the season, but playing with a team that you have a special connection with, making lifelong friendships, and playing with my best friends were my favorite parts,” said Hope Counts, ‘25.
With a stellar regular season, the Lions entered the Section 6AA tournament as the 3 seed. After a quarterfinal win against their rival, Maranatha Christian Academy, the Lions earned a semifinal spot for the first time in school history.
“Getting to play in the semifinals was a really cool experience, and it is one that I will remember forever,” said Brooke Huegel, ‘26.
The Lions now look to maintain their recent success through the coming years. With the new culture instilled, Providence Academy volleyball knows it is up for the challenge.
“I am proud of what we have accomplished and how we overcame adversity throughout the season. I am sad to leave behind a program that means so much to me,” said senior captain Anna Neill, ‘25.