Hoffman speaks to fun season

The Lady Cardinals ended their season in late October at the C1-10 subdistricts, with a record of 19-19.

Coach Blakelee Hoffman, who at the start of the season said the team was going to be fun to coach and watch, re-affirmed that statement last week.

"There were several time through the season," Hoffman said. "Just the little things did just crack me up, and they just always seemed to have fun no matter what the mood of the game is. They make the best of everything, and it makes my job really enjoyable."

One of those "little things" was a miniature volleyball the girls would pass around after practice, if they happened to see something a teammate did well.

Among the highlights of the season, Hoffman said the team had set some goals during the summer to win some games in Gothenburg, which they did, taking Gothenbuyrg and St. Paul on Sept. 21. They also hit a seven-game winning streak late in the season, and saw a big victory against Rapid City Christian.

With only one senior — Kiera Haag — leaving this year, Hoffman said no matter what the team will always look to make improvements and adjustments. "Even the girls who were starters," she said. "There's always something to improve upon and grow in. That's something we always look to do in the off-season."

Of Haag, Hoffman said has been on the team all four years of high school, but only played two years varsity. "She made such big games during her sophomore year, and really impressed the coaches. We knew, going into her junior year, she would be someone we could count on for some defense. She stepped up." Haag had 242 digs for the season and 231 serve receptions.

Even though Haag was more on the quiet side on the court, Hoffman said she's a good leader and leads by example. If she were to miff something, she never showed it rattled her, the coach added, which is a good quality to have in a leader.

Hoffman said she is "thrilled to death" with how the team finished the season, and had fun throughout every match and every tournament. "One thing I tell the girls all the time is no matter where we go this group is complimented by line judges, by officials, by other coaches. As a coach, it's awesome to hear. I share that with the girls because they need to know that. I hop they share that with their parents, because it's a reflection on the parents as well.

"No matter what is happening, they're just out there having fun. They're playing."