Heading into the 2021 season, the Lady Ranger Volleyball team has a lot of new faces. With a new coach and the loss of three graduating seniors, the Lady Rangers dive into new beginnings. As the new head coach of the Lady Rangers, Kim Strupp comes into this season expecting nothing but hard work and commitment, but that has come with some ups and downs. 

Coach Strupp has dealt with the challenge of building team chemistry through the loss of four key players throughout the season.  Because of this, she has been tasked with moving players around to different positions.  As a result, many players have also struggled to adjust.   

“It’s been difficult for the team to adjust to the new positions girls have (had) to take on,” sophomore Paydin Bronsen recently said.  In addition to the struggle of new roles, players have also had to adjust to new personnel.  

 Senior Megan Nelson said, “It’s been difficult to come into my senior year with yet again a new coach.”  Stupp is the third head coach for the Lady Rangers in as many years.  However, Nelson added, “I’m excited to see how it goes.” 

Next up for the Lady Rangers is Lockwood at home on Saturday.  Although they are off to an 0-3 start, Coach Strupp feels very confident coming into the game. Lockwood is new to Class A varsity volleyball with a 1-7 record, giving the Lady Rangers an excellent opportunity to improve their record, especially in conference play.  

Coach Strupp hopes the student section and the fans come to cheer the girls on, as it adds to the intensity of the game, fueling the home team. Senior Megan Nelson said, “(We) work better together when the game is more intense, and fans are cheering. 

Join the Lady Rangers for their home games against Lockwood this Saturday.  C-squad plays at 1 p.m., JV follows at 2:30 p.m. and Varsity hits the court at 4 p.m.  Admission is free for all Park High students due to an anonymous donor who covered activity ticket fees for all students this year.