After a long off-season full of hard work and dedication, the Gretna High School volleyball team is ready to dominate the court. The official start of their season came on Aug. 23, and they are already hungry for a state championship.
Head volleyball coach Wendy Loberg is especially ready to push the team to its best this year.
“I want to see this team max out,” Loberg said. “The best we can be is a team that is relentless, a team that encourages one another, a team that is focused and disciplined.”
Most practices are after school, and the team spends lots of time in the weight room.
“We have a lot of talent, so I’m just excited to see where things can go this season,” senior Maggie Miller said.
Last year’s squad finished seventh in Class B with a 25-18 record. Their season ended in the first round of its State competition. This year, the team is looking to make it further.
“We’re a very close group,” Miller said.
Dragon volleyball has a strong sense of community that separates them from other teams.
“When you do things that are hard, and you do them together, it really creates bonds between your teammates,” Loberg said.
She added that she has big plans for her team this year.
“Our gym is noisy, so that’s always a great thing for a volleyball coach,” Loberg said.
Loberg also said she has been proud of her team so far and is excited to see where they are headed.
“We are trying to focus more on the simple aspects of the game,” Loberg said…“We believe that big matches are not won because of complex plays.”
She plans to make this team the best it can be and involve players every aspect of the game.
“We believe that big matches are not won because of complex plays,” she said.
The team pushes each other so they can reach goals together.
“My teammates because they always push me to be my best every day,” senior player Lily Zimmerman said.
Players have other things pushing them to be their best as well
“My family inspires me to play the best, also, just being the best I can be for the people on the court with me,” Miller said.
The 2025 roster is far more experienced than last year’s, which helps the chemistry between players.
“This year, we also bring back 12 letter winners, so we have more experience this year than we did last year,” Loberg said.
Both Miller and Zimmerman described their team as being energetic.
“I’m super excited and can’t wait to compete with all the girls,” Zimmerman said.
The rival game against Gretna East will take place on Sept. 23.
