Clear Lake Christian School

The journey begins with just one step...and what an amazing journey it has started out to be! After a brief playoff appearance in 2009, CoachMike Ritthaler & Coach Kirsten Thornton began this season with a fresh vision for the Clear Lake Christian School Volleyball Team. The basic idea was to build player character and trust within the framework of the team while keeping a strong focus on God!

With the return of key players and the exciting addition of a few fresh new faces, the 2010 CLCS Volleyball Teams began their journey with a renewed hope. From two full weeks of two-a-day practices which included a mix of conditioning, plyometrics, strength building, & skill building to a new approach to team building, the season was in full swing. "We wanted to inspire the girls to greatness through group dynamics and trust," stated Coach K, "so we added some important team building activities that helped them bond with one another while having fun and learning to work together." Another new aspect of the 2010 season was the introduction of strength and conditioning workouts followed by devotionals with Roswell Smith, a former well-decorated high school and collegiate athlete and current youth pastor at Sagemont Church.

The playing season began quickly this year with a tournament & games prior to the start of school in August. The CLCS Varsity Volleyball Girls, lead by Head Coach Mike Ritthaler, brought home a 1st place trophy in their first 2010 appearance at the First Baptist Christian Academy Annual Tournament & a 2nd Place trophy at our CLCS Annual Home Tournament. With a current record of 5-1, the Varsity team has repeatedly demonstratedthat they are a force to be reckoned with this year! Players on the 2010 CLCS Varsity Team are: Senior - Brecca Carter; Junior - Anna Flipse; Senior - Ti Ha; Sophomore - Madison Jackovich; Sophomore - Kelly Murphy; Freshman - Anna Peek; Senior - Dana Ramos; Senior - Haley Sheldon; Senior - Hannah Stanley; Senior - Vaneda Valentine.

Although a small team of 7 players, the dedicated CLCS Junior Varsity Volleyball Crew has followed suitunder the coaching of Mike Ritthaler. With a current record of 2-1, the Junior Varsity Team is standing strong against opponents. Players on the 2010 CLCS Junior Varsity Team are: Junior - Olivia Alexander; Sophomore - Kira Clem; Freshman - Kelsey Cobb; Sophomore - Breanna Graves; Sophomore - Madison Jackovich; Freshman - Anna Peek; Sophomore - Jessa Vochoska.

The CLCS Junior High Girls Volleyball Team, lead by Coach Kirsten Thornton, is currently undefeated with a record of 4-0. The large team of 13 players has a great depth and is improving in skill and team dynamic with every match. The 2010 CLCS Junior High Team includes: 8th Grade - Shana Ayers; 6th Grade - Yovanni Cano; 8th Grade - Lauren Chavez; 7th Grade - Amy Figueroa; 6th Grade - Gina Francis; 7th Grade - Nichole Graves; 8th Grade - Mai Anh Ha; 8th Grade - Nicole Helpenstill; 8th Grade - Maryssa Smith; 8th Grade - Vivica Vinson; 7th Grade - Alexis Willette; 7th Grade - Rachel Willette; 6th Grade - Katie Wilson.

With the help of talented coaching staff, dedicated players, supportive parents, new team building efforts, and a renewed focus on God, the CLCS 2010 Volleyball Teams are progressing forward on their long journey one step at a time.