As the 2025 volleyball season begins, the gym has a new feeling this year. With the welcoming of new coaches, Shandi Olson and Kara Bertrand, the team is ready for a fresh season. This year, the team will be graduating 5 seniors who have been an important part of the team for the past 4 years. We’d like to share their experiences, achievements, and goals they have for the year. We are going to dig deeper into finding out how they got to the point where they are today and how they shaped the type of player they have become.
Suttyn Douglas, setter for the Trojan volleyball team, is wearing the number 11 this year. Suttyn has a huge role on the team. Not only is she a leader, but she’s a prime example of a hard worker. Suttyn has played volleyball her whole life and has grown to love it. “I have played a lot of volleyball and put in tons of practice and hard work… I’m sad it’s my last year playing, but excited for a new beginning,” Suttyn says. A goal she has for this year is to keep a 4.0 while playing and improving in sports.
Carlee Dye, DS/Libero, and captain for the Trojans. She’s wearing jersey number 5 this year and has been a huge leader and role model on the team. Carlee is a very important, hard-working player and has practiced on and off the court. She pushes herself to be the player she is today. Carlee says she’s excited to play one last season with her friends, but she’s sad that it’s her last season. Carlee’s goal for this season is to go to state.
Mackenzie Wittie, middle hitter for the Trojans, is wearing the number 21 and is a returning player for the SES Trojans. Mackenzie has put in lots of time and dedication to become the player she is. She said she’s sad it’s her last year because she loves volleyball so much. A goal Mackenzie has for the year is to keep a positive attitude and outlook on the year.
Mady Disney, outside hitter for the Trojans, is wearing number 13. Mady has put in lots and lots of work to become the player she is. She’s trained with special coaches and has attended many camps. Mady has had to do lots of work outside of school to rebuild strength and stamina after being diagnosed with a chronic, lifelong illness that affects her body immensely. All of it has made her stronger, not only physically but mentally. She’s excited to have one last season with her girls, but she’s sad it’s her last year because she says it’s her comfort sport, and she met so many amazing people through it. “I’m not ready to say goodbye,” Mady says. Some goals she has for the season are to gain as many kills as she can before the season ends, and she wants to beat Beloit on senior night.
Riley Donnelly, front row hitter for the Trojans, is wearing the number 3 this year and has been a year-round member of the team. She’s always done her best, worked hard, and gone the extra mile. She never gave up when things got hard, and that’s what has made her the type of player she is today. Riley says, “When you’re part of a team, you work for them as well as yourself.” Riley says she has mixed emotions about it being her last year. She’s excited to be a leader, but she’s sad it’s her last year. A goal she has for this year is to help rebuild the program and, most importantly, have fun.
