A summer of hard work by a group of nine returning players can never be a bad thing in sports.

And that is what Hot Springs head volleyball coach Maria Begger is hoping will be the boost her Lady Heat team needs in a competitive, newly expanded Western 13C high school volleyball conference. 

“The girls have put in a lot of hard work over the summer,” Begger said. “We had great attendance at summer open gyms, scrimmages and camp." 

Three seniors and a pair of talented juniors are at the core of the returnees this year as Hot Springs prepares to embark on the start of the 2024 volleyball season in two weeks. 

Seniors Brooke Jackson, Georgia Uski and Sasha Kifer provide the team with experience and leadership, while the Heat are counting on juniors Kara Christensen and Callie Cano to continue their solid play from last year. 

Christensen, an all-district caliber player in volleyball and basketball, and Cano, a skilled setter, are a tough combination for opposing teams. When coupled with Jackson and Uski, they give the Lady Heat a solid core of talent and leadership. 

Also back for another year are sophomores Ava Bouquet, Hollis Key, Lanet Jakabosky and Mackenzie Johnson. Begger said the team is expecting the addition of a foreign exchange student to further bolster the team. 

“Everyone on the team has another year under their belt, so I’m eager to watch their volleyball skills improve, as well as their leadership, team cohesiveness and communication skills,” she said. “These girls are a fun group, with each athlete bringing a unique set of skills to the table. I’m excited to see how our team grows through this season."

Begger said the team has been “pretty young” the last couple of years and that she is anxious to see how the veteran juniors and seniors stack up against the tough Western 13C. 

“I know that Hot Springs, Charlo, Philipsburg, Drummond and Valley Christian all made appearances at the divisional tournament last year,” Begger added. “I’m not sure what turnover [of players] the other teams have had but I imagine it will be more competitive this season, which is great. Higher competition levels push us all to work harder and be better” 

Hot Springs opens its 2024 season Sept. 5 when they host Drummond. They take to the road two days later for a match in Lincoln. 

    Hot Springs volleyball coach Maria Begger works with her team during a recent practice at the old gym in Hot Springs. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)
  

    Players work on shots and defense at the net during a Lady Heat practice this past week in Hot Springs. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)