Volleyball: Montevideo undergoes a youth movement

MONTEVIDEO — High school sports are ever-changing climates. And for the Montevideo volleyball team, it is in the midst of experiencing that. The Thunder Hawks graduated eight seniors from the 2023 season, where they finished 3-18 overall and 1-13 in the West Central Conference.

Montevideo will also be without two seniors who switched sports. Teagan Epema is playing girls tennis and Emmie Koenen is running cross-country. Because of all these exits, the Thunder Hawks have a youthful takeover.



Jessa Norby is the lone upperclassman returning. She is a 5-foot-10 junior middle hitter. “It’s a brand new climate,” Montevideo head coach John Mader said.

“The climate is changing.” Yet, despite having such a young team, Mader has been pleased with his group’s work ethic leading into the new season. “This group has been amazing to work with all summer,” Mader said.

“These kids are hungry. “It’s just unfortunate we don’t have the experience yet.” Along with Norby, another returning starter for the Thunder Hawks is 5-7 ninth-grader Jillian Magnuson.

She will split setting duties with Megan Koosmann, another ninth-grader.Other players to watch for Montevideo are sophomores: Taryn Stenson (OH), Janie Miller (OH) and Anika Brown (MH) and ninth-graders Reagyn Glady (L) and Payton Howell (DS). “Our freshman setters are beyond their age,” Mader said.

“The three sophomores are starting to come into their own.” As the 2024 season gets underway, gaining experience is vital, according to Mader. “I think this group could find substantial success in the near future,” he said.

Montevideo also has a growing pipeline in its volleyball program. “We have 28 kids in junior high who want to play,” Mader said. “Our youth programs are seeing a ton of success.

” Mader will be assisted by Kylee Heurung, Joanna Magnuson, Molly Tostenson and Kylie Willems for the 2024 season..