The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“I saw something in them that I have not seen the past three years”
By Than Acuff
With coaches Sheri Covey and Heidi O’Neil returning to the helm, assistant coach Rhiannon Phegley joining them to help develop the JV and four seniors in place as leaders and examples for the team, the Crested Butte Titans have good foundation upon which to build for the 2025 season.
Phegley jumped into the fray for the season providing the first time since Covey took over as head coach three years ago that they have three coaches to work with the girls.
“It’s really helpful to have someone focus on the JV and we have such a strong group of freshmen for her to work with,” says Covey.
In addition, having Tessa Wirsing, Hailey Huresky, Mylee Clifton and Maryn Pritchett as seniors brings some consistency as all four of them started high school volleyball when Covey took on the head coaching role.
“I’ve been with them the whole time and it’s so special to see their development,” says Covey. “They provide such great leadership.”
And after the first week of practices and a day of scrimmages, Covey admits she may have more to bring to the court than she initially thought.
“After playing in a tournament in July, I thought this would be a rebuilding year but it’s not,” says Covey. “But they came together in the scrimmages and did everything we asked them to. I saw something in them that I have not seen the past three years.”
While the Titans did lose all-conference setter Mandala Covey Bleiberg to graduation, they have junior and all-conference player Mia O’Neil back to add some firepower.
Then there are the freshmen. Covey touts the level of play and effort the freshmen are bringing this season and that can only play out as a positive both in practices and matches.
“They’re hungry to get on varsity and they’re pushing everyone,” says Covey. “I’m excited to see what they bring.”
The Titans open the season at home on Saturday, August 23 in mighty Mt. Olympus with four matches starting at 10:30 a.m. They remain at home the following weekend and Covey has hopes this team, and their newfound camaraderie and energy, could make some inroads in their incredibly competitive league.
“I think we’ll be better than last year and surprise a few teams,” says Covey. “My hope is that we finish top four in the league. Just climb the ladder as we go.”
