2024 Women's Volleyball Season Review
(Ankeny, IA) - After 33 matches, endless miles traveled, and many doctor visits the 2024 Faith Eagles volleyball team's road ended at the NCCAA National Tournament for the third time in four years! This accomplishment is a great testimony to the program and credit goes to not only the upperclassmen but this year to their new teammates as well.
The Eagles entered the 2024 campaign after a very successful 2023 season. With the new freshmen player additions and a great core of returners there was much excitement about the opportunity to win championships. Returning were 5 seniors, 2 juniors, and 2 sophomores, of which there were 5 returning starters.
"It was so rewarding to start the year with excitement and finish with improvement, discipline, and even more energy at the end of the year. To have the final stage the NCCAA tournament was a great reward for the team" noted coach Lanny Nihart.
The 2024 Eagles battled in every contest this year, including several 5 set matches. The schedule included NAIA, NCCA Division III, and NCCAA Division 1 opponents. In each match as the year progressed the team improved their hitting efficiency, blocks per set, and passing marks. The biggest factor outside of becoming a very good defensive team was their cohesiveness when it really mattered.
"We worked hard towards the end of the year on serve receive, and staying together. I think that benefited in both our losses and wins. It certainly played a part in our ability at the end of the year to win the Regional championship and compete at the national tournament" stated coach Nihart. "The team's togetherness was demonstrated outside the court as well such as ministry at the Alpha Women's Center in Ankeny, raking leaves, and working with the City of Ankeny as volunteers for the Miracle Park whiffle ball games for children and adults."
Having numerous team members selected to the MCCC all conference team, the NCCAA North Regional team, and NCCAA Scholar Athlete Awards, there were also significant events outside of those selections. Coach Nihart was presented with his 700-win club honor, two seniors Maddie Hodak and Sadie Long were engaged!
The 2025 campaign provides the same energy and excitement. With a number returning and with the right additions the Eagles should find themselves in another run for conference, regional, and national tournament opportunities.
"We want to thank our student body section and our fan base for the terrific support we received at our home games. As we travel around the Midwest it became very clear to our coaching staff and our players we truly have the best fans!" shared Coach Nihart, adding "In summary, I want to thank coach Erin Davis for her sacrificial time and energy given towards our team. Her experience over the past 22 years has been immensely important to the success of our program. I also wish to thank our discipleship coach Nancy Wilmeth for her time in helping our young ladies in her discipleship studies with the team. Her partnership has provided us with strong and poised players."
NCCAA Awards:
Scholar-Athletes: Audrey Glandon, Sadie Long, Belle Wirges
1st Team All-Region: Codie Wirges
2nd Team All-Region: Sadie Long, Belle Wirges
Honorable Mention: Audrey Glandon
MCCC Awards:
1st Team: Codie Wirges
2nd Team: Sadie Long
Honorable Mention: Belle Wirges
Team Awards:
Most Valuable Player: Codie Wirges
Most Improved: Julia Hess
Coaches Award: Sadie Long
