BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry Badgers volleyball program is seeing huge growth, with roughly 40 athletes coming out for tryouts.

This year, the program has five seniors and 12 incoming freshmen on the team. Five of the freshmen are new to the program and are either from out of state or are homeschooled.

Head coach Cynthia Cummings said that the goals for this season are to continue building upon the program's philosophy.

“As coaches we will be committed to fostering a love for the game, improving skill levels, demonstrating a positive environment, and developing a mutual respect with each individual while continually striving to be a good role model,” she said. “Continually throughout the season, we will emphasize integrity, the benefits of nutrition, sportsmanship, work ethic, perseverance and a commitment to the community.”

Reflecting on last season, Cummings said the first thing the team is focusing on is fundamentals first; fundamentals always.

“We will continue to focus on the aspects that we can control: our workouts, our effort, our hustle and our intensity,” she said.

In the offseason, several of the athletes kept up with weight-lifting during the summer, attended several different camps and open gyms. Cummings said she’s pleased with the level of conditioning she saw after tryouts.

When it comes to takeaways from last season, Cummings said that “as a coach, I try to emphasize that this is a game; it should be fun. The journey is part of the process and how much effort you put in will sometimes determine the end result. The journey to the top of the mountain can be just as exciting as the view from the top. We have our eyes on state and want to experience that.”

When it comes to changes in the Intermountain League competition for volleyball will be roughly the same, she said

“Even though certain teams are no longer in our district, we actually are scheduled to play some of them,” she said. “We will continue to focus on the things we can control and take it one game at a time. We still have a full schedule for varsity as well as a tournament for JV and varsity. Win or lose, we learn and grow.”

She said she has her eyes on all the athletes new and returning to the program.

“I'm excited for the returning varsity players as well as the new athletes who will be joining the team,” she said. “JV will have several freshmen that played well in middle school and on their club teams. I think our varsity seniors are ready to shine this season and finish high school well.”

The volleyball program wants to thank the community for their continued support. The program raised over $4,600 in pre-sale tickets and during the four hour car wash on Saturday, August 20. Funds will go towards uniform needs, tournament costs, new equipment and towards new equipment for Valley View, since C team will be practicing there once school starts.