Photo by Jessica Scheer
By Matt Browning
It has been three years since the Garden Plain volleyball program, a perennial power, has been to the state tournament.
Senior Erin Smith, who was a second team all-league selection in 2024, is ready for that change.
“Garden Plain used to be one of the programs you could always expect to see at the state tournament every year, it was a tradition,” Smith said. “We haven’t made it since my freshman year, I believe this team can bring that tradition back. We are strong, mindful, skilled, and most importantly determined.”
The chemistry and cohesion on the Owls is what has Smith most excited.
“We have such an amazing group of girls, and every single one is excited to learn more and improve their skills,” Smith said. “We have already made so much progress, and you can tell we are all hungry to keep getting better.”
While there are just a few minor adjustments she has to make, Smith is focused on improving her serve-receive passing. She wants eliminate zeros and raise her passing average to at least a 2.2.
“To improve I have been focusing on being simple and tracking the ball early, those are still my main focal points so far this season,” Smith said. “I can already feel the improvements and I think I am right around the corner from meeting that goal.”
