Whitefish volleyball has big turnout for 2025 season
BRANDON HANSEN For the Pilot | Whitefish Pilot | UPDATED 11 months, 3 weeks AGO
The Whitefish volleyball program is set to open its 2025 campaign after a breakout 2024 year. Head coach Addy Connelly said the Bulldogs are eager to show growth while playing a competitive brand of volleyball.
“We are looking to play some fluid ball backed by a strong defense,” Connelly said. “We are looking to play some good competitive volleyball this season.”
The program’s depth is one of its biggest assets heading into the year.
“We have a great group of 36 young ladies,” Connelly said. “They have been playing hard in the off-season and have some great young talent coming up through the ranks. We have some great leaders in our upperclassmen.”
That combination of experience and youth could help Whitefish remain a steady force in Northwest A, especially with the Bulldogs’ strengths aligning in key areas of the game.
“Our strengths this season will be defensively,” Connelly said. “Our serving looks tough and many of our players have been playing together for years allowing for some great cohesive play.”
While every season presents challenges, Connelly said the Bulldogs are focusing first on themselves and what they can control.
“We are focused on our team at this time and if we can take care of the ball we will be good to go,” she said. “We will have a great opportunity this weekend to see the rest of the league.”
As for standout players, Whitefish has several athletes returning who already proved they can compete at a high level.
“Camry Kelch, senior outside hitter, was an all-conference selection last year as a junior,” Connelly said. “Allie Shors, sophomore setter, was an all-conference selection last year as a freshman. Eleanor Archie, senior defensive specialist, are the players to keep an eye on.”
With Kelch and Archie anchoring the senior class and Shors providing poise at setter despite her youth, the Bulldogs will look to build around their leaders while developing the next wave of talent from a deep roster.
As the season gets underway, Connelly said the focus is simple: play to their strengths and let experience and team chemistry guide the way. With a large turnout, a strong defensive identity, and proven playmakers, Whitefish appears ready to contend in what should be another competitive volleyball season.