Knights improve in Victory’s first season as coach

If any team in our coverage area had to overcome obstacles in the 2020 season it was the Sandhills-Thedford volleyball team. A COVID-19 outbreak amongst the team early in the season resulted in the Knights canceling all their games until Sept.10.

Despite not being able to practice or be together, the Knights were able to make a triumphant return to the court in a 3-1 win over Hyannis on homecoming. A truly joyous moment for everybody who attended the game in Thedford.

It wasn’t just emotional, because of what the team had gone through leading up to the match, but it was a great way to start the year for a team who had only won one game a season ago.

“I was very pleased with the season. In the last couple of years this team has only won a few games and this year we won eight,” Victory said. “That was a goal for the team to improve and win some games and we met that goal. The girls could have gotten a couple more wins with many of the games being close. We have some key players coming back next year and it will be exciting to get them in the gym and weights this summer.”

This year’s squad had four seniors in Madison Marten, Emily Martindale, Maddie Glidden, and Ariel Bryant.

More than anything this year’s S-T squad proved that the game of volleyball is more than just winning sets and matches on the court. It’s about building relationships with their teammates and rallying around each other in tough times.

“There were so many memories,” Victory said. “Just working with each player and seeing their individual growth and improvement. We played every game to not lose. The players were very close. We had one player whose mom is battling cancer and the team really rallied around her and that family. We also had a freshman player that has been dealing with many health issues and the girls have been so supportive of her. I just love how much they tried and loved the game of volleyball.”