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Draper Journal

Chargers’ volleyball looks to return to state final

Aug 28, 2017 02:14PM ● By Jana Klopsch

Madison Brunatti, junior, prepares to serve the ball. Brunatti will be a large part of the team’s attempt to return to the state final. (Mindy Wilder/Draper)

By Jesse Sindelar | [email protected]

The Corner Canyon women’s volleyball team will look to make a return to the playoffs and the state championship game after a bitter loss in last year’s final to Bountiful.

For head coach Mindy Wilder, who is in her third season with the team, this has been a process in the making.

“My first season here we played pretty well, we made it to state, we were pretty young. Last year, we worked on our chemistry and dynamics, and we made it to the finals. We were playing the returning champs, Bountiful, who had a lot of playoff experience. It was good for us to experience it, we were a young team and it was the first time making it that far for us, nerves just really came into play for us,” Wilder said.

But now they’re working to get back to the state final. “All the girls play club volleyball, and we have been playing four days a week this summer. We have had good hours and numbers this summer,” Wilder said.

For leadership roles, Wilder is confident in her returning seniors. “(The seniors) are key for us. They are pushing kids and leading by example. They are a good group that got a little taste last year, and now they really want it, and they want to instill that in the younger kids,” Wilder said.

While they have some good leaders, Wilder thinks the team needs just a little bit more. “The focus is always playing as a team. We are teaching these girls life skills as well as volleyball skills, but to really go far and win, they need to have a little grit. I’m excited to see how it unfolds,” Wilder continued.

Wilder knows the only way they will make it back to the finals will be as team, but she is excited for some players to really shine this season. 

“Emma Magnum, who’s a senior, will be a huge leadership force for us. Madison Brunatti, junior, is an incredible all-around athlete, and Seville Likes, junior, has an incredible work ethic,” Wilder added.

However, as much as Wilder praises her individual players, she is aware that if her team is to return to the playoffs and the finals, it will be a collaborative team effort. “The team has been working so hard for each other. They build each other up, they fight, and they are just so ready and loyal to put everything on the line for his team,” Wilder said.

While the team is excited to start the new season, Coach Wilder would like more people to know about the team and support them. 

“We would love some more community support — we love seeing everybody out there for our games, but anytime we can get more, it’s great,” Wilder said.

After a disappointing end to last season, the Corner Canyon women’s volleyball team only has eyes on one thing: getting back to the state final they bitterly lost against Bountiful last year. With a strong returning senior lineup, and a mentality of work and dedication, the team looks a favorite to get back to that state final.