Despite graduating six key players, the Liberty Christian girls volleyball team is setting its sights on turning in another strong season under head coach Dakota Ball.

Coming off a near-perfect 2024 campaign that included a MAC conference title and a second-place finish at the MCSAA Division I State Tournament, the Eagles are embracing a new era that is led by youth, energy and their senior, Trina Scheltens.

“I have freshmen this year that are ready to start and want to start and you don’t see that a lot of the time,” Ball said. “They know what to do and they have a lot more confidence in their abilities because of last year’s leadership.”

The team is younger than last year as it has just five upperclassmen out of its 12-member varsity squad. Still, Ball has set high expectations for the Eagles.

“We want to win the conference again and realistically we should be able to handle state very well. We’re a lot more well versed as a team this year and
we have a lot of consistency across the board,” Ball said. “We also have that veteran vibe that should be able to take us far.”

Ball added the team’s identity will look a little different this year than it was in 2024.

“They’re young, fun and they have a ton of energy,” Ball said. “Last year, it was a lot more serious on the court.”

Scheltens said her teammates are having a positive attitude about the new season.

“I’ve seen more girls that are stepping out of their comfort zone. Everyone understands that it’s not just going to be one person and we all have to step up and do our best,” Scheltens said. “They’re more motivated and I love to see it.”

Ball noted Scheltens’ role on and off the court will be important.

“We run only one setter and she’s our setter, so she is involved in everything,” Ball said. “She is the heart of the team and she’s a great player and a great leader.”

Both Ball and Scheltens agreed that defense, chemistry, positive reinforcement and hitting have been team strengths during the first days of practice.

“Throughout the summer, we’ve all been coming to practices and I’ve seen so much growth in all of them,” Scheltens said.

“We’ve got a lot of raw talent, so it’s just figuring out how to harness that in the right direction,” Ball added.

Ball highlighted several players who are expected to make an impact.

“Addie Scheltens is going to be exciting to watch, as well as Caroline Keller along with Marielle Moss. She started with us last year but it’ll be good to see how she’s progressed from playing club all summer and seeing how she transfers that into this season,” Ball said.

Liberty Christian will begin its season at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 with a road match at Lighthouse Prep.

“I’m really excited to see what we can do,” Scheltens said.