2011
Resetting The Standard
No King's team has deserved a state championship more than the 2011 team. The Knights of 2011 were comprised of nine seniors, one Junior, one sophomore and one freshman. All capable players that fully committed, completely sacrificed and dedicated themselves to one common objective: to set aside any selfish ambition in favor of what would give the team the best opportunity to be the best it could be.
It was clear very early this would be a unique year. The 2011 Knights possessed a high volleyball IQ. As such, the team broke from Gold Medal Squared Team Camp tradition by attending and competing in UW volleyball camp in the summer. There, the opportunity to receive coaching from the UW coaching staff proved invaluable. At the conclusion of camp King's would win the camp tournament providing an early sign that something special was at work.
The early off-season training allowed the Knights to move players into new positions as Joclyn Kirton made the transition from middle to outside joining Payton Young on the left side attack. Junior Maddie DeGenner would join senior Morgen Gearhardt in the middle. Caitlyn Fransen would resume her role on the right side while McKenzie Mitchell would once again don the Libero jersey for a second straight year. Key senior substitutes would come off the bench to make meaningful contributions: Brooke Cavins would play defense specialist and the versatile Emma Keys would provide outside hitting and a ferocious topspin serve. Future program standouts, Alysanne Van Dyke and Rachel Morinaga we're also contributors. The 2011 team left a legacy of selflessness, dedication and commitment that raised the bar to a new level.
King's would dominate conference play dropping only three sets along the way to a conference championship. The Knights would blow-out Lynden Christian at Lynden Christian (3-0) for the district title, following that up a week later with two more dominating performances at the Tri-District tournament with 3-0 wins over LC again and Cedar Park Christian earning a number one seed to state. As it often does, the draw would be a determining factor in whether or not the Knights would make a 4th straight appearance in the state championship final match in Yakima. Once the draw was made, the showdown was easy to project as King's would likely have to face Colville in the semi's in what would likely be the true state championship match.
The first-round draw was no cake-walk as familiar foe, Chelan was the opening round opponent. Not the team of the past but still very well coached and a strong team with capable players. The Knights prepared accordingly and surgically attacked the Goats, taking advantage of very strong tendencies to a 3-0 sweep. Later on day 1, King's would take a 3-1 win over Cedar Park and the showdown was on. The two best teams in the field would face each other in the semi-finals, King's vs Colville. The winner would go to the finals and easily win.
Even though there were other matches being played in the Sundome, a huge crowd assembled on the corner court to see these two power-houses square-off. Colville was deadly with a ferocious attack the likes of which King's unfortunately had not seen all year. King's reeled in the first set, losing 17-25 but the Knights were quick studies, coming back to win the next two sets to take a 2-1 match lead. Momentum swung again as Colville won the 4th set to force a decisive 5th set. King's would stumble out of the gates unfortunately, calling a timeout at 0-5 and then again at 2-9. Showing incredible resolve and character, the Knights came storming back, ripping off 10 straight points and a 12-9 lead but unfortunately it wasn't to be as King's would lose 15-12 and see its title hopes fall.
Althought there is no state title to celebrate, the 2011 team goes down as one of the very best in the history of King's Volleyball. No other team had as much talent, harmony, selflessness, commitment and dedication as the 2011 squad.
It was clear very early this would be a unique year. The 2011 Knights possessed a high volleyball IQ. As such, the team broke from Gold Medal Squared Team Camp tradition by attending and competing in UW volleyball camp in the summer. There, the opportunity to receive coaching from the UW coaching staff proved invaluable. At the conclusion of camp King's would win the camp tournament providing an early sign that something special was at work.
The early off-season training allowed the Knights to move players into new positions as Joclyn Kirton made the transition from middle to outside joining Payton Young on the left side attack. Junior Maddie DeGenner would join senior Morgen Gearhardt in the middle. Caitlyn Fransen would resume her role on the right side while McKenzie Mitchell would once again don the Libero jersey for a second straight year. Key senior substitutes would come off the bench to make meaningful contributions: Brooke Cavins would play defense specialist and the versatile Emma Keys would provide outside hitting and a ferocious topspin serve. Future program standouts, Alysanne Van Dyke and Rachel Morinaga we're also contributors. The 2011 team left a legacy of selflessness, dedication and commitment that raised the bar to a new level.
King's would dominate conference play dropping only three sets along the way to a conference championship. The Knights would blow-out Lynden Christian at Lynden Christian (3-0) for the district title, following that up a week later with two more dominating performances at the Tri-District tournament with 3-0 wins over LC again and Cedar Park Christian earning a number one seed to state. As it often does, the draw would be a determining factor in whether or not the Knights would make a 4th straight appearance in the state championship final match in Yakima. Once the draw was made, the showdown was easy to project as King's would likely have to face Colville in the semi's in what would likely be the true state championship match.
The first-round draw was no cake-walk as familiar foe, Chelan was the opening round opponent. Not the team of the past but still very well coached and a strong team with capable players. The Knights prepared accordingly and surgically attacked the Goats, taking advantage of very strong tendencies to a 3-0 sweep. Later on day 1, King's would take a 3-1 win over Cedar Park and the showdown was on. The two best teams in the field would face each other in the semi-finals, King's vs Colville. The winner would go to the finals and easily win.
Even though there were other matches being played in the Sundome, a huge crowd assembled on the corner court to see these two power-houses square-off. Colville was deadly with a ferocious attack the likes of which King's unfortunately had not seen all year. King's reeled in the first set, losing 17-25 but the Knights were quick studies, coming back to win the next two sets to take a 2-1 match lead. Momentum swung again as Colville won the 4th set to force a decisive 5th set. King's would stumble out of the gates unfortunately, calling a timeout at 0-5 and then again at 2-9. Showing incredible resolve and character, the Knights came storming back, ripping off 10 straight points and a 12-9 lead but unfortunately it wasn't to be as King's would lose 15-12 and see its title hopes fall.
Althought there is no state title to celebrate, the 2011 team goes down as one of the very best in the history of King's Volleyball. No other team had as much talent, harmony, selflessness, commitment and dedication as the 2011 squad.
2011 Season Highlights
2011 Seniors
Morgen Gearhardt
Emma Keys
Anna Barhanovich
McKenzie Daniels
McKenzie Mitchell
Caitlin Fransen
Payton Young
Joclyn Kirton
Brooke Cavins
Emma Keys
Anna Barhanovich
McKenzie Daniels
McKenzie Mitchell
Caitlin Fransen
Payton Young
Joclyn Kirton
Brooke Cavins
