As the weather is now getting colder, the Lewis Cass volleyball season is coming to a close. The Lady Kings close out their regular season this Thursday, October 10, against the reigning state champions, the Southwood Knights. The girls then head into sectional play next Thursday, taking on the Oak Hill Golden Eagles. This season has been a long one for the girls as they have competed in about two games per week for three straight months. Even though their record does not quite reflect it, the team has grown and learned a lot together this season.
The team this year was led by the squad’s only senior, Maryn Zeck. Zeck has been a part of the team for all four years of her high school career and has been the varsity setter for the last three seasons. When asked what her favorite volleyball memory is, Maryn said, “My favorite volleyball memory was the senior night game last year against Oakhill. Our team played very well and we had a good five-set match.” As you can see from Zeck’s statement, she enjoys competing and has set that example for her younger teammates. Zeck also said, “This season, I learned how to be a leading role player on the team. With most of the varsity team graduating last year, I was forced into the role of a leader.” Maryn has led by example this season by demonstrating great hustle at every match. Her outstanding hustle was also recognized by a referee during one of the team’s matches, as he reported Zeck to the IHSAA for her great work. Zeck’s hustle and dedication will be missed next season.
Maryn is not the only one making an exit from the team at the end of this season. This year’s team includes four foreign exchange students who will also not be returning. Louisa Joppien, from Germany, has brought her volleyball skills to the junior varsity squad. Lulu has proven to be a strong and reliable setter for the Kings and her skills will surely be missed next season. Beatrice Spinelli and Agathe Guedo joined the team with no prior volleyball experience. These two have grown tremendously throughout the season and were a great addition to the squad. Lastly, the team gained a new manager this year in Sara Nissinen, from Finland. Sara is now great at taking stats and has brought with her a great attitude at every game.
The team will be saying their final goodbye at the end of this season to head coach, Katie Cowell. Coach Cowell is expecting her first child and will be taking a step back from coaching when this season comes to a close. Cowell said, “While I’m sad my current coaching career is coming to a close, I’m thankful for the past six years. My dream was to be a first grade teacher and volleyball coach and straight out of college I got that opportunity here at Lewis Cass. I enjoyed almost every moment of being a coach and learned some valuable lifelong lessons that will carry on through life with me.” Coach Cowell has certainly left a lasting impression on the girls she has coached by demonstrating her intensity and love for the game. Cowell stated, “I’ll truly miss the girls and being around the game of volleyball, but I am SO looking forward to the new joys of motherhood! I can’t wait to bring my little girl to a game next season to cheer on the Lady Kings!” The team looks forward to seeing her in the stands next year as she will be bringing a new little cheerleader along with her!
The end of this season marks the end of a chapter for many. Four foreign exchange students say their goodbyes, along with senior Maryn Zeck, and Head Coach Katie Cowell. These girls brought great personalities to the team dynamic and have left some big shoes to fill next year!
From the sidelines to the headlines, this is Lauren, signing out.
