by Noelle Rand
The 2026 volleyball season is off to a strong start for the Hi-Line volleyball team. The Bulls' record is currently 12-8. The season is about halfway through, and we talked with the head coach, Mr. Loontjer, to hear some input he had!
We asked Loontjer how he has seen growth within the team from last year to this year. Loontjer shared, “I think the biggest growth I’ve seen is in their confidence, communication, and willingness to take ownership. We still have moments where we struggle with those things, but I’ve seen more players step up and hold themselves and their teammates accountable instead of always waiting for a coach to do it. They’re starting to understand that leadership doesn’t just come from the coaches or even just the seniors. Everyone has a role in creating the kind of team and culture we want to have. I’ve also seen a lot of individual growth in their volleyball skills and understanding of the game. They’re becoming more comfortable making decisions on the court instead of always looking to the sideline for answers.”
Loontjer says he is looking forward to the rest of the season, and is looking forward to seeing continuous growth.