Story by: Patrick Prince | Media and Communications Editor
Despite moving up in classification, the Holland Hall volleyball team finds itself in a familiar spot – the state tournament.
At regionals as a No. 9 seed, the Dutch defeated No. 8 seed Tuttle last week to earn its seventh state tournament berth in nine seasons under coach Shelby Swanson.
Regardless of the outcome of this week’s state tournament, earning their way back to state is a fitting end for a core group of five seniors who have played together for years.
This group of seniors came in as freshmen following Holland Hall’s 2022 state title. They’ll leave as veteran leaders who helped get Holland Hall to the state tournament in back-to-back seasons.
“This group came in as freshmen after our first-ever state championship groups of seniors graduated. Most of them had to step in and play big roles from the beginning,” Swanson said. “As a coach, I always want to have a positive culture, competitive program, and to see the girls have fun and grow as people. That becoming a reality takes a lot of buy-in and work from the players. This group of seniors wanted the same things and worked to make that a reality for our entire program. They have been great leaders, and I know that has inspired the younger girls to continue and even build from what they have grown.”
Holland Hall, which made it to the 3A semifinals a year ago, opens the 4A state tournament at 1 p.m. Thursday versus No. 3 seed Oklahoma Christian School at Claremore. It’s a single-elimination tournament. With a win, the sixth-seeded Dutch advance to play the Oologah-Heritage Hall winner at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Claremore. The finals are at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, also at Claremore. All state tournament matches are best-of-five sets.
The Dutch lost to OCS earlier this season, but senior Blythe Confer said Holland Hall is a different team now.
“I feel like we are a completely different team than we were when we played them,” Blythe said. “We have improved like an insane amount, like the most I’ve ever seen our team improve like in one season. I don’t know why … everything is just like clicking this year. The setters and the hitters are connecting … everyone is just connecting.”
This year’s seniors are Hadlee Reynolds, Alexa Clark, Addison Hendren, Blythe Confer, and Ellie Underwood.
Blythe said these seniors, who have played volleyball together since the 7th grade, have tried to emphasize having fun and positive support. As senior leaders, they have set a standard that Blythe hopes carries on after they have graduated.
“I’m really sad to leave them next year,” Blythe said. “I am just so happy that I got to experience this great season to end on. I’m super thankful for them. And our coaches this year have made such an impact on our team. I feel like it all just fits this year. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the younger girls and getting to spend the season building relationships with everyone. Hopefully when we leave, they continue to build on that positivity in the program.”
Added Swanson, “This group has worked hard to create a great culture that is fun, competitive, and a place where everyone can grow and shine. The results that have come from that have not only been success on the court, but great relationships, lasting memories, and a lot of joy for all of us.”
