Breanna Stephens is teaching volleyball at Joseph High School.

The first-year head coach has a total of nine girls, less than half of last year’s varsity and junior varsity squads combined. So it goes for all of the athletics at Jo-Hi, where student enrollment has dwindled to 67. But Stephens looks forward to this season as an opportunity to build a fundamentally sound and well-practiced program of Lady Eagles.

“I’m excited,” Stephens said. “The girls are ready to go. This is a diverse group. Our seniors will be strong leaders. We’ll have fun, learning and playing.”

Three seniors return from last year’s climb to a state playoff. Josey Kolhhepp started many offensive strikes with her digs. Mariah Warnock then set the front line up for kills and wracked up assists. Anna Bird took advantage and became one of the Lady Eagles’ powerful hitters. On defense, Bird patrolled the net for blocks. In a sweep at Enterprise, Kohlhepp accumulated 22 digs. Bird made three blocks and three kills in the first game.

The rest of this year’s team is new to varsity. Junior Emily Howerton as well as a pair of sophomores – Paige Hunting and Ali Garrett – are up from JV. Howerton was a strong hitter up front. Hunting and Garrett delivered quality serves. Meanwhile, freshman Lexi Nelson is climbing to the high school level.

A couple of girls, sophomore Suzy Ellis and freshman Jonae Schoen, are new to the sport. Considering the small roster, the newcomers can quickly put their lessons to practice.

“This is a chance,” Stephens said, “for me to devote more time to each girl individually and be more hands-on.”