Smith optimistic about upcoming season with current squad

With a solid base of returning players for the Northland Pines varsity volleyball team, veteran Head Coach Julie Smith is optimistic about who she has out on the floor this season.

The Pines volleyball team will again be under the direction of Smith, who is back for her 13th season as head coach.

“I love coaching, and I just want to be here for this group of girls who have a real interest in being better,” she noted. “And last year we did not win one Great Northern Conference (GNC) match, so I can’t go out on that note.”

With a solid group of nine letter-winners back, including senior Bella Nowak, a second-team all-conference selection last season, Smith knows this edition of the Eagles can beat strong teams.

Earlier this summer, the Eagles were first in their division at an invitational in Appleton and finished strong in a 48-team tournament at Wisconsin Dells in July.

The Great Northern Conference is on the come-up in volleyball, with Mosinee still the team to beat this season. There will be eight teams in the GNC this season as Merrill’s request to move there from the Wisconsin Valley Conference was granted.

Northland Pines and Tomahawk dropped to Division 3 for postseason play.
“Mosinee is still the power in the conference, and they have strong freshmen coming in,” said Smith. “Merrill will give us a run for our money, and Tomahawk is back on the rise. Rhinelander beat us twice last season, but I think we will beat them this year.”

Smith noted that team chemistry is key to having a successful season.

“We have a lot of discussions about positivity, the Golden Rule, and being kind to each other,” she stated.

Smith will have a strong coaching staff at all levels, with Maleea Eggleston coaching the JV1 squad and Samantha Roth coaching the JV2 team.

Smith’s daughter, Jacqueline, will join her as an assistant coach a little later in the season.

The Eagles opened the season in a seven-team scrimmage at Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua last Saturday. They were also scheduled to play at a seven-team invitational Tuesday at SPASH.

The Pines girls will make their first appearance at home when they host a quadrangular meet with Three Lakes, Florence and Philips on Tuesday, September 2, at 4:30 p.m.