Coaching volleyball is a careful balancing act.
Chris Leverenz knows all about it.
For 20 consecutive seasons – ever since Auburn Riverside High School opened its doors – Leverenz has pointed the way for a successful program with her structured, no-nonsense approach to the game. But away from the court, she shares a softer side – congenial, fun, goofy.
A combination that connects with her players.
“She holds us accountable and works us real hard,” said Kiana Drumheller, a 6-foot senior stalwart for the Ravens. “But she has a fun side to her. She’s definitely a disciplinarian, and she knows how to coach us as a team but also as individuals.”
“Coach Lev” has been an influential part of Kasey Holand’s life since she was 12. Her club coach then, Leverenz demands more from Holand now.
“She knows how to push us,” said Holand, a 6-foot senior blocker and hitter, who is in her fourth varsity season with the Ravens. “She’s a character, but she’s also a coach who knows how to get the most out of us individually.”
Holand and Drumheller are among a select few players returning from last year’s dream team, which went 36-0 and captured the state Class 3A championship, the program’s first.
Expectations are high this season, and understandably so.
Leverenz, in her 21st season as coach, said she knows her team will carry the weight of a crown.
“It’s a good and bad thing,” she said. “I think the kids feel a little bit of pressure, but I think pressure sometimes is good.
“The key for me is to convince them that it’s not the same (team),” Leverenz said. “I don’t have the same expectations. … We lost some amazing players, and we’re not going to replace them … but the other kids are going to be just as good. They’re going to be good in their own light.”
Noticeably missing is Carson Heilborn, who graduated and is off to the University of New Mexico, where the true freshman has been immediately pressed into a backup role for Hannah Johnson, the Lobos’ All-Mountain West Conference senior setter from Longview.
Heilborn was the Washington State Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year and the South Puget Sound League’s Player of the Year last fall.
Also gone is Precious Atafua, the state 3A tournament MVP, who is playing at Casper (Wyo.). College. Roxy King, an All-SPSL middle hitter last year, is playing at Minot State (N.D.).
Despite the departed stars, the Ravens return plenty of experience and skill.
Drumheller, Holand and Calley Heilborn, a 6-1 sophomore and Carson’s sister, will provide plenty of punch up front. The younger Heilborn was a second-team all-league performer last season.
Clarice Buchanan, a 5-11 junior libero, and a second-team all-league selection last season, is considered the Ravens’ best all-around defensive player.
Lauren Smith, a 5-foot-10 junior, has emerged as the setter.
The pieces are in place for another league and district title run.
“We’re coming off a high from last year, so we have high expectations for this year,” Holand said. “We have that feeling from last year, so anything less is going to be disappointing. … But we want to go as far as we can … and have the best season possible and just build for the next seasons to come.”
Leverenz’ Ravens have always been a highly regarded program. The state title only enhanced its reputation and raised the bar for the competition.
“The whole thing was just very dynamic, not just for our team but for our entire program and for our community here at Auburn Riverside,” Leverenz said of winning it all last season. “It’s just amazing.
“I didn’t realize how many people were there supporting us and how much it mattered to the community. I love that. That makes it all worthwhile.”
Elsewhere
Auburn Mountainview brings back a strong team under second-year coach Telia Peterson. The Lions, who finished 14-5 overall last season, are loaded for a league title run this fall.
“We only graduated one senior last year, so we have the same squad coming back,” Peterson said. “In addition, we have great senior leadership, versatility and depth with this team.
“We, as a coaching staff, believe that this team will compete at its highest level in our competitive league.”
The Lions return the Davenports – Ali, a 5-11 senior middle hitter, and Casey, a 5-6 junior setter, both second-team all-league performers last season. Junior Kiley Lewis, a 6-2 junior outside hitter, was a first-team All-SPSL selection last year.
Seniors Izzy Pantoja (5-10 middle blocker) and Darby Deaton (5-6 outside hitter) and junior Lauren Friis (5-2 libero) also return.
Juniors Emily Martinez (5-8 outside hitter) and Savannah Klemetsen (6-1 middle blocker), and sophomores Haylee Hooper (5-7 setter) and Savannah Dodson (5-6 defensive specialist) are top newcomers. …
At Auburn, Shelley Davis welcomes back several starters and a vastly improved defense. Returning are seniors Alyssa Hinz (5-9 middle/right blocker); Kianna Ly (5-5 libero) and Simone Liu (5-5 defensive specialist); junior Celina Liulamaga (5-6 setter); and sophomore Leana Liu (5-7 outside hitter).
Mercedies Tootoo, a 5-11 sophomore middle blocker, is a top newcomer.
The Trojans, despite their lack of height, are poised to make a jump in the league standings and reach the district tournament.
“(There’s a) new spirit of work, fire and dedication to go along with our new gym,” Davis said of her squad. “We’re doing it in honor of (athletic/activities director) Bob Jones and his fight against cancer. Our season is dedicated to him and his fight.”
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PHOTO BELOW:
Show of power: The Ravens’ Kiana Drumheller, a 6-foot senior blocker, slams down a shot, with Calley Heilborn, a 6-1 sophomore, looking on. MARK KLAAS, Auburn Reporter
