The Pleasant Valley High School Girls Volleyball team has capped off an incredible 2024 season by claiming the Class 5A State Championship title. With a record of 35-2, the Spartans showcased their talent, grit, and teamwork, excelling in tournaments and ultimately reaching their goal of being the best 5A team in the state.
Season Highlights Led by Head Coach Amber Hall, Assistant Coaches April Rauch, and Claire Marotta, the PV team won championships at the Linn-Mar Invite, Mt. Vernon Invite, and Westside Invite, building momentum throughout the season. At the state tournament, they defeated Waukee, Dowling Catholic, and Waukee Northwest to bring home the title:
- Quarterfinals: #1 PV defeated #9 Waukee, 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-15)
- Semifinals: #1 PV defeated #4 Dowling Catholic, 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-23)
- Championship: #1 PV defeated #6 Waukee Northwest, 3-1 (25-20, 24-16, 25-22, 25-16)
Coach Hall praised the team’s work ethic and dedication: “The girls did a great job performing at a high level all season! This was due to their ability to push themselves and each other daily in our practices against each other. Our Athletic Director, Ms. D'Anne Kroemer, helped us get into some of the most challenging tournaments in Iowa to prepare us for the postseason!” The Spartans’ season included a 28-game winning streak, a testament to their determination and growth as a team.
A Culture of Excellence and Teamwork
Coach Hall attributes the team’s success to their long-standing “All In” mentality, a program culture established in 2016. This mentality encourages both coaches and players to give 100% in every facet of being a member of the Pleasant Valley Volleyball program. “We hope to instill a growth mindset that encourages everyone- players and coaches—to learn together and push each other to always give their best.” This strong team culture has been a key factor in the Spartans' accomplishments, both on and off the court.
Reflections from the Players
For the players, winning the state championship was a season-defining moment, achieved through hard work, unity, and resilience. Here’s what a few of them had to say about their journey:
Hailey Asselin: “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to represent Pleasant Valley. In the PV program, we work really hard every day in practice to reach our goals. For our work to be shown at a state level means a lot because everything we worked for was able to be shown off and appreciated.”
Carsyn Kelley described overcoming challenges, especially when a teammate was injured before State: “We really pulled together as a team and believed in each other, especially knowing we were missing a piece. Playing tough teams helped us grow and face obstacles, which made us stronger together.”
Isabelle Kremer shared her proudest moment: “Winning the state championship. Even though it may be the obvious answer, so much had to happen for us to get to that point. I’m proud of my teammates’ hard work, everyone’s ability to step up when needed, and the connections we made. I’m so proud of everything we did to get to our ultimate goal.”
Congratulations to the Pleasant Valley Girls Volleyball team for an unforgettable season and for making Spartan Nation proud!