No sibling rivalry in this group of “sisters” in Stanton

Charm Carpenter
The Red Oak Express
It is often said that blood is thicker than water. However, the six senior volleyball players from Stanton argue that cliche.
They have played volleyball together since they were in third grade. They have played on club teams together, as well as the high school volleyball team. They have spent enough time together they can finish each other’s sentences. And they can speak for the senior who is not in attendence.
They banter like sisters; one look, and they are all giggling.
Most agree that Zac Efron is hotter than Usher. One player prefers to sit alone before games to focus, while another needs a “bus-buddy.” And there is a resounding “yes” when asked if volleyball was their favorite sport.  
Jody Vanderholm and Ally Focht have played on the Iowa Spikers club volleyball team. Brandy Morrison, Chelsea Weis, Rylee Walter and Libby Ernst have played on the Southwest Iowa club volleyball team along with Vanderholm and Focht.  
Vanderholm said that she got excited about volleyball her freshman year in high school.
“We went to state our freshman year and we just wanted to be like them,” Vanderholm said. “It was just an extra push because we were successful.”
Morrison said her favorite game was this year when the team defeated Sidney in one set.
“Everyone said we were going to lose in three sets,” Morrison said. “And volleyball is such a mental game, we just said we could beat them and we did.”
“Everyone thought that we would just get destroyed,” Weis said.
The girls began to talk about the game, and were quick to compliment each other.
“Brandy had a really good game against Sidney this year,” Walter said.
The girls said that volleyball was 90 percent mental. “We had a ton of talent and were pumped up when we played Sidney,” Weis said. “Other nights, we just couldn’t pull it together.”
Another highlight is from last season when the team defeated Mount Ayr in the regional semi-final game.
“It was a super intense game,” Walter said.
“Jody’s only job against them was to block Kelcie Shields,” Morrison said.
“Once I blocked her, she shut down,” Vanderholm said.
The team appreciated the student section yelling during the games.
“I didn’t even hear them,” Walter said.
“I think it pumps us up,” Weis said.
“It makes us think that they are excited and they want us to do well,” Vanderholm added.
“It helps us know that the crowd cares,” Focht said.
All answers were rapid-fire and on top of each other, like family does sometimes.
The girls answered the questions for Ernst, too. It was almost as if she were present.
Focht would like to play volleyball in college, but hasn’t decided where she will be attending. The others have ended their volleyball careers.
Volleyball has taught the girls more than just the skills needed on the court.
“Committment,” Walter said.
“Teamwork,” Morrison said.
“Confidence,” Focht said.
“Hard work,” Vanderholm said.
“Things are earned, not given,” Weis said.
Again, all at the same time.
The girls all said how important it was to go out for all the sports. Not just because it is a small community, but because it helps keep a person in shape.
“Work hard in the off-season,” Vanderholm said. “Lift weights, and stay active.”
Morrison began talking about the Iowa State volleyball game from the weekend.
Focht explained that Schaben was from Harlan and they met her the year they were freshmen.
“You’ve gotta watch this video of her from the game,” Morrison said.
As she brought her phone over and pushed play, all of the girls crowded around the tiny screen to watch a Schaben kill in the Iowa State game.
The passion and excitement could be heard in all of their voices as they talked about that play, that girl, and the game of volleyball.
“Jess Schaben is my idol,” Vanderholm said. “She got rookie of the week like her second week there.”
Walter reminded them about their trip to state volleyball on Thursday. All of them were excited and looking forward to the trip last week.
“We don’t know who we will be watching, but we can’t wait,” Weis said.
The girls are full of wit and have some wisdom to pass on to the younger athletes.
“Never expect to be handed things,” Vanderholm said. “Always work for everything.”
“Prove the doubters wrong,” Walter said.
“Have pride in being a Viqueen,” Focht said.
“Have pride in the jersey that you wear,” Weis said.
“Tell yourself you can, and you will,” Morrison said.
All admitted that they will miss volleyball and playing together as a team.
“Before every game, we sing ‘The Climb’,” Vanderholm said. “I can’t hear it on the radio without crying.”
The girls are looking forward to what the future holds for each of them, but they are also enjoying each senior moment that comes.
“We want to be the inspiration to the younger kids, like Kadie, Carmen and Rachel were to us,” Vanderholm said.