NHS volleyball's impressive season

As the whistle blows and the 2023 season comes to a close, the Niwot High School volleyball team reflected on a successful and memorable season.

The Cougars finished their season with an impressive 8-1 record in the Longs Peak League, and an overall record of 17-10, with 11 of those victories coming as sweeps. With a remarkable record, hardships the team faced were well hidden and attested to the quick adjustment the team was able to make to ensure a successful performance from the beginning of the season to the very last volley.

With junior setter Anne Haley missing part of the season due to an ankle injury, sophomore Sienna Knight was a perfect example of a player rising to the occasion to lock down a bid to postseason. Knight filled in for Haley in the most difficult part of the regular season and performed admirably.

Surviving an intense series of games at regionals, the Cougar squad earned its spot at the 2023 CHSAA State Volleyball Championships.

Though facing a 3-1 loss (25-23, 15-25, 31-33, 16-25) in the first round of the tournament, the Cougars battled in the loser's bracket before finally being eliminated. Still, there was still much to be celebrated.

The volleyball squad sent off five seniors, who left behind an example of leadership, inclusivity, and unwavering dedication. Addison Engel led the team on all fronts, notably averaging 3.4 kills per set, acquiring 67 blocks for the season, and totaling 308 kills. Engel will take her volleyball skills to the University of Alabama next fall.

Haley again led the team in assists with 430 in the 16 games in which she played, averaging 26.9 per match.

Defensive specialist Sami Sessa locked down the court, averaging 4.1 digs per set, putting up 367 total digs, and accumulating 527 receptions. She also led the team in service aces with 55.

For their efforts, Engel and Haley were selected to the Longs Peak League All-Conference first team, while Sessa earned Honorable mention honors. For Haley, it was her third year as an All-Conference selection, and for Engel, it was her second year to be recognized.

But, the statistics aren't the most important part of the season. According to coach Tony Engel and confirmed by the players, the squad is a tight knit group and will carry the friendships on the court through their lives.

As the Cougars close this chapter, the future of the program is bright and the four returning juniors are ready to accept the torch and bring a new face of leadership to the table next year.