It is no surprise to the members of the Hermantown Volleyball Team that they enter the final week of September and the final stretch of their regular-season schedule with a flawless 10-0 record. The Hawks have not only worked hard in the gym this fall, but made sure to dedicate time during the summer to build comradery and hone their skills.
"I think the volleyball team's biggest contributor to being so successful is that we all are so close and friends. Over the summer we planned some super fun team bonding activities and we went to a team camp in Eau Claire (Wis.). I think that all brought us closer," senior captain Gabi Arntson said. "This season we only had three returning players on Varsity, so right from the start we knew we needed to build our team chemistry, and that's what we did. All of the girls get along very well, and we enjoy each other's company!"
That team chemistry is evident on the court, where Hermantown currently ranks first in the Lake Superior Conference standings with a 4-0 league mark. Seven of the Hawks' wins have been straight-set victories, and they won 16-straight sets from September 10 at Greenway to September 24 at Rock Ridge. During the stretch, the squad posted sweeps against Pine City, Duluth Denfeld, Superior and Hibbing.
"I think our team's biggest contributor to our success so far is our time and commitment in practice and the girls to each other," head coach Jessica Williams said. "We practice for two hours a day and then sometimes stay up to an hour after if the girls want to stay and work."
Along with prioritizing on-court skills, Williams and team captains Arntson, Claire Kaups and Hope Kohanski, also puts an emphasis on working on the team's mental health throughout the season.
"Coach Williams also has been prioritizing both mental and physical health," Arntson said. "On Mondays, the captains lead "Mindful Monday" where we talk about how we can be kinder to ourselves and focus on our mindset for volleyball and school. On Wednesdays, Coach Williams leads "Wellness Wednesday" where we look at all the factors in our lives, such as sleep schedules, time management, and how to be our best selves. I also think that this has been a huge success for the team this year, since we get to take the time to spend together and focus on how to be healthier together. Honestly, we got lucky with such a great group of girls this year. Every day we continue to show up and work hard at practice knowing that our end goal is the State Tournament."
The Hawks have to get past three-time defending Section 7AAA Champion Grand Rapids to reach their goal of making the state tournament for the first time since 2016. The two teams will face off in Hermantown's home finale October 1 in what could be a preview of the section championship. The contest is also the Hawks' first Dig Pink match in nearly 10 years, Teacher Appreciation Night and Fill the Gym Night, which all hold special significance for the team.
"We take on (Grand) Rapids at home, and the whole gym will be filled with positivity, appreciation, and energy! This is a huge event for Hermantown Volleyball since it's our first Dig Pink Night for almost 10 years," Arntson said. "I am beyond excited to be a part of this special night. Our Dig Pink Night also features a silent auction, with so many items beyond belief. I am incredibly grateful for all the businesses that donated, and let me say there's a lot! The Hawks will be in special jerseys for this game that fans can bid on afterwards. Our opponent, Grand Rapids, will also be participating in the Dig Pink Night. Playing Rapids is a big deal for us this year since they are always such great competition and they are in our conference and section!"
The home contest will be the last of the regular-season for Hermantown, with the Hawks closing out the regular season on the road at Cloquet on Oct. 15. The MSHSL Section 7AAA Quarterfinals are set to get underway Wednesday, Oct. 23.
"We love all of our fans and are so grateful to everyone who supports us," Arntson said. "The more people in the gym the more fun it is. Fans help bring us energy to get us fired up! We would love to see everyone in the gym before the season is over!"
📸 Duluth News Tribune | Clint Austin
Sept. 28 at Mora Tournament - 9:00 a.m.
Oct. 1 vs. Grand Rapids - 7:00 p.m. (Dig Pink, Teacher Appreciation, Fill the Gym)
Oct. 4 at Saint Michael-Albertville Invitational - 5:00 p.m.
Oct. 12 at Irondale Invitational - 8:00 a.m.
Oct. 15 at Cloquet - 7:00 p.m.