The Sandpoint High volleyball program has found itself in a rut for the past few seasons, cobbling together a 5-10 season in 2025.  

So, the program is turning back to the one woman who built the team into a powerhouse in the late 2000s, Karen Alsager, who's back for her third stint leading the Bulldogs. Alsager said one of the main reasons she chose to return to the post is the team's abundance of young talent, boasting several sophomores who are expected to contribute quality play. 

"Part of the reason I took the job is because I knew we were young," Alsager said. "If I can make an investment in these guys for the next three years, I feel like we can build something." 

Sandpoint will be leaning on three sophomores, Darby Rust, Abi Williams and Hailey Gion, for much of the team's ball-handling. Alsager said that Williams is emerging as a vocal leader and heartbeat of the group. 

"They can pass, they can set, they can dig, they can dive, they can do all those kinds of things," Alsager said of the trio. 

The Bulldogs will rely on smooth setting from Averi Mire and Breecyn Morton, a group that Alsager said she feels confident in. Another sophomore, Ali Gunter, is set to provide important play up front and showed out at the YEA jamboree in Post Falls, leading the team in service aces and blocks. 

The youth of the team will be led by two middle blockers, senior Marlee Lane and team captain junior Carlee Klippel. Alsager said Lane is a savvy player with experience, while Klippel is the strongest hitter of the group, giving them firepower from the front row. 

Lane and Klippel said they want to lead by example, with Klippel adding that she hopes to be a voice for the team on the court. 

"I'm very good at communicating the needs of the team, like if the team needs to be shifted," Klippel said. "I feel like trying to show them that they need to push hard for what they want and that this is a special place to be." 

The veterans of the team said one of the most significant differences from last year is the team's connection. Sandpoint has been constantly in the gym preparing for their season, which not only means the players have spent a lot of time together, but they have had ample time to bond.  

Alsager said the team has quickly grown closer together and become a family, which the duo echoed.  

"This team is really putting in work; we're in the gym five hours a day," Klippel said. "They're not backing down." 

The team has set a high bar for themselves, making the state tournament, as a motivation tool. However, Alsager said she wants the team to show her early wins before she can begin to set the bar in the sky. 

"I don't want them to step into the gym and think that they can't beat these teams, because I think we have some good talent," Alsager said. "I have high expectations, but they need to prove that to me." 

Alsager said she's working with the team on their footwork and building consistency in their fast-paced offense. The head coach said the team is quite athletic but lacks height and that they'll need to use discipline to carry them through the season. 

The Bulldogs got off to a solid start on Aug. 17 at the YEA volleyball jamboree, a one-set scrimmage against Post Falls, Lake City and Coeur d'Alene, going 1-2. Sandpoint was able to best Coeur d'Alene in a thrilling 25-21 set, which Alsager said featured stellar communication. 

"We're running a lot of fast stuff, a lot of faster set combinations," Alsager said. "Discipline is one of my biggest features. There's so much we can control that has nothing to do with talent and ability." 

FUN FACT: The last time the Sandpoint Bulldogs won a state title was in 2008 with Karen Alsager at the helm. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Marlee Lane, sr.; Ali Gunter, so.; Darby Rust, so. 

MOST ANTICIPATED MEET: Conference matchups against Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Lakeland, Lake City, Lewiston and Moscow. 

SCHEDULE: 

- 8/22 @ Lake City, 3 p.m. 

- 8/24 vs Timberlake, 7 p.m. 

- 8/25 @ Post Falls, 7 p.m. 

- 8/27 vs Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m. 

- 8/29 @ Bonners Ferry, 1:30 p.m. 

- 8/31 vs Moscow, 7 p.m. 

- 9/3 @ Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m. 

- 9/8 vs Lake City, 7 p.m. 

- 9/15 @ Timberlake, 7 p.m. 

- 9/17 @ Lakeland, 7 p.m. 

- 9/19 vs University, 3 p.m. 

- 9/24 vs Lewiston, 7 p.m. 

- 9/30 @ Kellogg, 7 p.m. 

- 10/6 @ Moscow, 7 p.m. 

- 10/13 vs Lakeland, 7 p.m. 

- 10/15 @ Lewiston, 7 p.m.