By Chad Koenen

Publisher

There will be more than a handful of new faces in new places for the New York Mills volleyball team this season. 

Not only will Harley Wurst take over as head coach of the program after Tammy Olson stepped down from her position at the end of last season, but the Eagles will feature a mostly new lineup on the court as four players who all played 3-6 rotations graduated from last year’s team that finished 20-11 overall and 5-2 in the Park Region Conference. 

Returning for the Eagles this season will be seniors Annika Dunrud and Gabi Vaden, as well as letter winners Chloe Costin, Alivia Preuss and Ellyana Ruther.

In order to fill in the gaps left by the Eagles who graduated last year, NY Mills will turn to a number of non-letter winners including Aubree Salo, Alise Schornack and Talli Schmitz.

Wurst said the goal this season will be to have a successful and versatile/all-around team who carries excitement and energy on the court. 

The first-year head coach said Wadena-Deer Creek will likely be among the favorites to win a tough Park Region Conference, while Section 6A will boast a number of teams who will have a chance to complete for a spot at the state tournament. 

The Eagles got their season underway on Tuesday night when they traveled to Frazee in non-conference action. NY Mills will then get an extended break from action as they will not compete again until Sept. 6 when they travel to Browerville for a tournament.