SOAP LAKE – The Soap Lake Eagles are preparing for another successful season after finishing the last season 16-5 and earning second in districts and making the second round of the state tourney. 

“Last season was probably our best season since I’ve been coaching,” said Eagles Head Coach Niki Noble. “I was really proud of the girls for how hard they worked.” 

This year, the Eagles have six returning varsity seniors after having no players graduate from the team. They also have two new players joining the team in their senior years, said Noble. The team also has some new blood and experienced players making for a group with strong bonds and potential. 

“I think it’s going to be a great season and with all those returning players, we are hoping to go even farther,” said the coach. 

Senior Liana Sushik said she’s played volleyball with most of her teammates since they were in sixth grade. That makes for a strong bond and she is excited to see where it will take them and how younger players will integrate into it.  

“We’re just showing ourselves to be a better example and keep the tradition going,” she said. 

Mylee Dana is another returning varsity senior and she said the Eagles have a team chemistry on and off the court. Dana and her teammates have worked together to overcome adversity in the past which led to their success last year. 

The teammates agreed that a big accomplishment in 2024 was the Eagles’ victory over longtime rival, Entiat. Soap Lake had struggled against them for years, and their victory  over Entiat came at a crucial point in the district tournament. They either won and went to state or lost and ended their season. 

This year, the seniors are setting their sights on first place in districts to earn their spot in the state tournament. There have been a lot of adjustments to the team with the addition of new players. 

“We have new girls that showed up which we’ve worked with in the past but now we’re all just getting together and it’s going to be much bigger for us,” said Dana. 

This year is also crucial in building up the younger players as the team only consists of five freshmen alongside eight seniors with no sophomore or junior players, she said. Focusing on building rapport among the younger team members will be vital. 

“I want to make sure that they get lots of playing time and just practicing and setting goals together, not just for this year, but for the future of our program as well,” Noble said. 

The coach looks forward to the team continuing their efforts to become the best version of themselves they can be. 

“This group of seniors, I’ve never, in 30 years of coaching, ever had a group of a class that has worked so hard, not just in volleyball, but in all of their sports,” she said.  

The Eagles first matchup of the season will be a double header at home against Almira/Coulee-Hartline Tuesday, Sept. 9 with the first game starting at 4:30 p.m. 

    Olivia Noble hits the ball to her teammate during a warmup exercise at practice. Noble is one of the five freshman players on the team. Despite being younger, the freshman also come with both experience of the sport and with the team.
  

    Eagles senior Mylee Dana keeps her eye on the ball during a warmup at practice. Dana said the bonds of the team, both on and off the court, are one of the team’s many strengths.
  

    Brooke Dana readies to hit the ball back to her training partner during volleyball practice. Last season the Eagles finished the season 16-5, earned second in districts and made it into the second round of the state tournament.
  

    Eagles player Nataleigh Wynn hits the ball up to her teammate during practice. This year the team is aiming for a first-place finish at districts.
  

    Eagles head coach Niki Noble works with her players on a training exercise during practice. Noble said this group of seniors has continued to impress her in every passing season.