Wildcat Volleyball team sets program record in MIAC championship

Nov 25

Nov 25 Wildcat Volleyball team sets program record in MIAC championship

By Ella Tracy

The St. Kate’s Volleyball team closed their season off with a performance record-breaking season. They placed 2nd in the MIAC Conference, the highest in program history. It was their first time appearing in the championship and their first time hosting the championship game. They won 20 games overall (the most wins in school history) and went 9-0 in 5 set matches.

Lexie Petrick ‘25 (Business Administration and Marketing, Economics) said of the year, “As a team, we came together early in the season to set shared goals. Every time we stepped into the gym, whether for practice or a game, we pushed ourselves to grow and succeed together.”

Lucia Neuman ‘25 (Nursing) was one of the team captains this year. She said, “I made sure to lead by example and use my competitive spirit to speak up and motivate them throughout the season.” She also added that she “worked with the team by consistently checking in on them and asking what I could do to help them be better and give them the best results.”

Todd Nelson, Head Coach, said that one of their goals was to compete in the NCAA tournament. While the team did not reach the national tournament, Nelson said that this was the first year where they believed they could compete. He added that reaching NCAA is a continuing goal for next year’s season. “Other goals aren’t measurable,” Nelson said. “We wanted the team to stay as healthy as they possibly can, mentally and physically, and to have a good team culture.”

Nelson expressed pride in the team’s energy and culture this year. “There is always the potential for conflict, but the team did a great job being positive, supporting, and competitive. That was another goal,” he said.

The players shared how the community of the team has impacted them. “My team is absolutely amazing,” said Madison Fagan ‘26 (Nursing, Psychology) “[It’s] such a fun and energetic group. It’s such a welcoming and trusting [space] and even when I have my bad days they are there to still cheer me on and lift me up.”

“Teammates become your best friends because of a common interest and by spending nearly every day of the year together,” said Brenna Essig ‘25 (Exercise Science, Coaching). “The friendships were the things that kept me going amongst all of the chaos that comes with being a student-athlete,” said Neuman. “Being able to perform at a high level while also achieving my degree with great people is something I will cherish forever.” Petrick also said that during her 4 years on the team she has “gained confidence, resilience, and leadership skills, both on and off the court.”

Nelson added, “This past year, there was a uniqueness about the group and their resiliency.” 5 players were also named to the MIAC conference All-Conference Honorable Mention list: Essig, Neuman, Petrick, Fagan and Mallory Johnson.

“We are thankful for the season that we had,” Nelson concluded. “We are very excited about what’s ahead of us. It was a remarkable season.”