There is no doubt the summer has been a period of adjustment with a new head coach at the helm, but there is ample talent and experience returning for the Pella volleyball team that makes them a contender in both the Little Hawkeye Conference and in the Class 4A field this October.
While key contributors from the 2023 Dutch are now playing in college, a wealth of experience and depth will make the green and white a formidable foe for many they cross in the fall of 2024.
New Head Coach Joel Allman believes that has made his transition easier, and as games begin, will have his team hard to solve on many of their scheduled competition dates.
“I knew based off of stats and film that I was watch that there was certainly a lot of talent,” he says. “The thing with them last year was that they were young — there were a lot of sophomores and juniors playing. So all of the experience they got last year, and Coach [Sam] Sheldon did an excellent job with them, all of that experience that they’ve got and they’re coming back, we’re able to start on a higher step and level.”
Pella is keyed by All-District and All-Conference setter and hitter Katie Scheckel, who is coming off of a state qualifying bid in the shot put ring and a standout summer in softball. Scheckel led the 2023 Dutch with 322 kills, while tallying 382 assists, 307 digs, and 47 service aces. She’s among the seven of Pella’s eleven players with starting appearances last fall are on the current roster, including:
Sydney Namminga, SR (Outside Hitter) – 41 appearances, 147 kills
Claire Smock, SR (Defensive Specialist) – 41 appearances, 195 digs, 18 service aces
Kelsey Tauke, SR (Middle Blocker) – 35 appearances, 63 blocks (24 solo)
Brooke Schulte, JR (Outside Hitter) – 38 appearances, 114 kills
Abbie Brand, JR (Middle Blocker) – 41 appearances, 63 blocks (13 solo)
Elah Hiemstra, JR (Defensive Specialist) – 41 appearances, 163 digs, 31 service aces
The Dutch volleyball team will have a scrimmage against Knoxville today at Pella High School, with lower levels beginning at 5:30 this evening ahead of varsity. Gently-used clothing donations are being accepted to benefit the Well. Pella opens the season with a home quadrangular tournament on Thursday, August 29th.