The Exira-EHK Volleyball Team has much to be proud of when looking back at their 2024 season. The Spartans captured the program’s best record since 2012, finishing the season with a 15-6 record. For the first time in recent memory, they also hosted a regional postseason and advanced past the first round with a 3-0 win over CAM. They nearly went further in the postseason after erasing a 2-0 deficit to come up just short in the quarterfinal to Fremont-Mills. Exira-EHK accomplished nearly every goal they set out to accomplish, and Head Coach Derek Reischauer was extremely proud of what they did and how they did it.

From the start, winning a regular season conference championship was a goal the Spartans wanted to accomplish. On October 10th, senior night nonetheless, Exira-EHK would do just that defeating West Harrison/Whiting 3-0. In a season full of special moments, Reischauer said this one topped the list.

A program-building season usually comes with superb play from young players, and the Spartans got just that. The offense was led by junior Jaelynn Petersen and sophomore Taryn Petersen. Jaelynn finished the season leading the team with 214 kills, while Taryn finished not far behind with 169 while leading the team with 161 digs. Sophomore Brooklyn Flathers compiled 232 assists to lead the team. You also can’t forget about senior Mayne Jorgensen who finished second on the team in digs. Reischauer said that every player found a way to improve throughout the season and contributed to the program’s success.

Another key to a successful season is finding ways to improve team play throughout the season. One big improvement for the Spartans was their passing. Passing, especially the first pass, is a big key in setting up an attack and allows a team to consider different attack options. Reischauer knows how important it is and was pleased with how his team’s passing improved throughout the season.

Of course, no season is perfect and this young Exira-EHK team has room to grow. A big thing Reischauer wants to see improved heading into next season is the diversity of their attack.

The Exira-EHK Spartans Volleyball is a young team that has a bright future ahead of them. They could return nearly the entire roster, minus the lone senior, Jorgensen. It is a group that has a lot of potential and a group that will now have the benefit of experiencing success. Reischauer says he plans to make competing for conference championships and more the norm at Exira-EHK.