Cougars aim to maintain inspired momentum

2022 Record: 19-24 (3-1 Loss to Gladbrook-Reinbeck in State Semis)

Head Coach: Jill Smith

Nothing came easy for AGWSR volleyball during the 2022 regular season. The Cougars had the toughest schedule in Class 1A according to Bound and played with one of the top volleyball conferences in Iowa. But as the postseason began, struggles swiftly turned to triumphs as the Cougars swept their way into the program’s first State berth since 2008, upset second-ranked North Tama in five thrilling sets and put up a valiant fight with rival Gladbrook-Reinbeck in the State semis to end a brilliant run. 

“This special run is something every team hopes to achieve,” coach Jill Smith said. “The girls enjoyed the ride to State and understood what it took to get there. Obviously, no one likes getting beat up by really great teams. Ultimately,  it was to our benefit that we were able to compete against some of the best teams in the state and all classes.”

AGWSR lost three starters in Tessa Sperfslage, Lila Vaughn and All-Stater Brynn Smith to graduation in May, losing leaders both offensively and defensively. The Cougars will retool with their All-State setter in junior Trevyn Smith (804 assists, 146 kills, 240 digs, 39 blocks, 315 successful serves) and other returning weapons in sophomore Brylea Metzgar (138 kills, 96 digs, 50 blocks, 318 successful serves), senior Ava Olson (99 kills, 46 digs, 31 blocks) and senior Karis Lippert (88 kills, 126 digs, 279 successful serves). Trevyn Smith and sophomore Elise Olson (142 digs) return the most digs and Metzgar the most on the block. 

“I know this group gives a lot of effort and works hard,” Smith said. “We have the right pieces for another run. Brynn has carried a huge offensive load for us the last four years. We’re going to rely on Brylea in the middle quite a bit, Karis, Elise on the outside and Ava on the right. That other middle spot will be Josie Kuper and Abby Veld tying for the spot. All of our kids are going to have to do a little more offensively.”

The 2023 season promises to be another gauntlet for the Cougars as Grundy Center and South Hardin both return most of their rosters ahead of NICL West play. AGWSR will maintain much the same schedule as last season, opening the possibility of facing a ranked team nearly every week. 

“My focus is on the process and that we come in every day working to get a little better,” Smith said. “Working hard, being disciplined, executing the fundamentals and communication are all things we can control and end up being the difference in a game. Win or lose, we will keep getting better.” 

AGWSR volleyball will open its season at a quad in Grundy Center against the Spartans, Hudson and Waverly-Shell Rock on Tuesday, Aug. 22.