Welches School’s Volleyball Program a Big Hit

Kalee Robertson got her start in volleyball in elementary school, then became the starting server during middle school and continued to enjoy playing throughout college. Now, as the coach for the Welches School’s sixth/seventh grade junior varsity team and the eighth-grade varsity team, Robertson is getting a chance to share her knowledge and experience with students around the same age as she was when she began to play.

“My goal for the season is for all athletes, despite their entry level, to advance in their skillset,” said Robertson, a fifth-grade teacher at Welches Schools. “My hope for the season is that the students have fun and feel like they got the most out of their season.”

Robertson started coaching at Welches last year, and entered into that season knowing that half of the varsity players would move on to Sandy High School at the end of the school year. That meant recruiting for this year and spreading the word about volleyball to the incoming sixth graders and the seventh and eighth graders who were not yet part of the team.

The result is 16 students, including eight athletes who are new to the sport, and an eighth-grade team featuring veterans who have played volleyball together for the past two years.

“The best product I see in their play, both practice and gameday, is communication,” Robertson said of the eighth graders who have played together. “This communication has extended to helping foster, guide, and mentor our new players. It has been a positive environment as our new players enter a new sport, and we hope that the encouragement provides them the atmosphere they need to succeed.”

The season started on Monday, September 15 with a home game against Estacada Middle School. Other games in September included away games at Cedar Ridge Middle School and Boring Middle School, and another home game versus Corbett Middle School.

October home dates include playing against CRMS on Monday, October 6, against and on Monday BMS,  October 13, and against Walt Morey Middle School on Monday, October 20. Away games are at Estacada Middle School on Wednesday, October 1, at Walt Morey Middle School on Wednesday, October 8, and at Corbett Middle School on Wednesday, October 15. Game times are 4:30 p.m. for JV and 5:45 p.m. for Varsity.

“Volleyball is such a fun sport, and the team and I want to share this great game,” Robertson said. “We are hopeful to have a great season of growth, team building and fun!”