Photo provided by girl’s volleyball seniors.

Emma Suneja

The girl’s volleyball team truly killed this season! Every member of the team has worked hard to make this one of their best seasons yet. This team has swept their way through the playoffs and worked their way up to State. They dominated Milwaukee Hamilton, Waukesha North, and Pewaukee on their way to state. These girls have been working hard this season, and it has paid off as seen by their second place win at State!

The team prides themselves on the community they have built. The team is very close, and it’s that trust that makes them such a sight to behold on the court. Grace Wellens, a junior player on Varsity, says, “This team means so much to me because we all are best friends and love each other so much, which is very evident on the court. All of the seniors have been such good leaders and have helped me grow a ton by their feedback and support.”

The team is coached by Traci Buhr, who led this team through a tough conference, playoffs, and an impressive State run. Emily Zgonc, a junior on Varsity, says, “Throughout this season, Traci has pushed us to be the best we can be. Her dedication to the team is truly unmatched as she spent an insane amount of time preparing us for matches, coaching us to be better and completing all of the behind-the-scenes work. I am so incredibly grateful to have a coach like her who works so hard to help us be successful.”

The high scorers this season were Eva Finnessy with 234 kills, Brooke Baldwin with 64 aces, Aubrey Hicks with 53 blocks, Emily Zgonc with 377 digs, and Brooke Baldwin with 788 assists. Congrats, ladies!

Senior Spotlights

Eva Finnessy

How long have you been playing volleyball? Why did you join the High School team?

I have been playing since 4th grade. I knew I wanted to play in college, so I kept playing through my high school years.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?

Although volleyball is a big part of my life, it is important to also have a social life outside of sports.

What are some of your hobbies outside of volleyball?

Basketball, hunting, trap shooting, hanging out with friends, and watching movies.

What is your favorite memory of volleyball?

Making it to state last year and playing in that type of environment.

What are your plans after high school? Are you going to continue playing volleyball?

Playing volleyball at Northern Illinois.

What does Coach Buhr have to say?

“She is a 4-year starter and captain has been the quiet, composed leader of the team. Her ball control and power has been unmatched against all opponents this year. She has been so versatile being able to play multiple positions for whatever will help the team win.”

Brooke Aslakson

How long have you been playing volleyball? Why did you join the High School team?

I have been playing volleyball since 5th grade. I decided to join the high school team to better my skills and form long lasting friendships.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?

The best piece of advice I have been given is to live in the moment, and it was given to me by my highschool coach, Traci Buhr.

What are some of your hobbies outside of volleyball?

I enjoy shopping and hanging out with friends.

What is your favorite memory of volleyball?

My favorite volleyball memory is winning our sectional final game against Manitowoc Lincoln to go to the state tournament.

What are your plans after high school? Are you going to continue playing volleyball?

I am attending the University of Minnesota Duluth where I will be playing volleyball. I am undecided in my major at the moment.

What does Coach Buhr have to say?

“(Cookie) is our ‘automatic weapon.’ Another 4-year starter and captain, she has been absolutely one of the best middles in the state. She finds the court effortlessly on offense and is an incredible blocker as well.”

Kailey Kenney

How long have you been playing volleyball? Why did you join the High School team?

I have been playing since 4th Grade. I joined the highschool team because volleyball has been my passion since I was a little kid.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?

To not give up even when things get hard:

“You can do hard things.”

—My dad.

What are some of your hobbies outside of volleyball?

I love love love art. Any type of art, photography, painting, drawing.

What is your favorite memory of volleyball?

The Conference DSHA game my Junior year.

What are your plans after high school? Are you going to continue playing volleyball?

I am currently verbally committed to Concordia university to play volleyball for them. I am not sure what I am going to major in yet!

What does Coach Buhr have to say?

“She has one of the fastest and most powerful arm-swings I have seen. She is the most fun player to watch because she plays with pure joy. It is so fun to watch her emotions on the court because her smile is so contagious, and she makes everyone have so much fun.”

Sam Hoeksema

How long have you been playing volleyball? Why did you join the High School team?

I’ve played club since 3rd grade. However, I’d say that I have pretty much been playing my whole life due to my dad being a coach and my sister also playing.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?

I would say the best advice I have gotten is that everything happens for a reason. I think a lot of people say this, but it has really stuck with me. This is because it is just a great reminder that there are better things to come and to not just worry about the present.

What are some of your hobbies outside of volleyball?

I love being with friends and surrounding myself with people whenever I can.

What is your favorite memory of volleyball?

I would say 2023 Florida nationals. I went up early to play with the 18s team for a week and then after that, played with my team. These two weeks contain some of my best memories due to all the girls on those teams. I have such great friendships with so many of them still.

What are your plans after high school? Are you going to continue playing volleyball?

I am committed to Dordt University to play volleyball. I will also be pursuing a nursing major while attending there.

What does Coach Buhr have to say?

“We knew that her serve is one of the best in the state, but her determination to pass has led her to be one of our best backrow players on the team.”

Addison Schoenberger

How long have you been playing volleyball? Why did you join the High School team?

I’ve been playing volleyball for around 10 years.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?

Never give up.

What are some of your hobbies outside of volleyball?

I also play basketball and participate in track.

What is your favorite memory of volleyball?

Making it to the state championship at the RESCH center.

What are your plans after high school? Are you going to continue playing volleyball?

I am playing volleyball at Missouri S&T.

What does Coach Buhr have to say?

“Addie is our emotional powerhouse. She plays with so much heart and fierceness and the team is always rallying up to match her excitement. She has been our secret weapon all year.”