After graduating a sizable and impactful senior class last year, members of the Bison girls’ volleyball team were left with big shoes to fill for the 2026 season.
Like many returning players, Allison Mix ‘27 felt like there were a lot of unknowns regarding the player lineup heading into the year. However, younger players, particularly the sophomore class, have quickly stepped in to fill the gaps, leading to an impressive season for the Bison so far.
Bison Volleyball Finds New Rhythm
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Younger Players Fill Big Gaps Sophomores have stepped up to lead the team following the graduation of a large senior class.
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Strong Team Chemistry Drives Success Despite being a new lineup, the players have developed a close-knit family dynamic on and off the court.
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Major Victory Breaks Long Drought The team recently achieved a milestone by defeating St. Michael-Albertville for the first time in ten years.
Despite having had less time playing together than many other varsity-level teams, this year’s team has very strong connections both on and off the court.
“We are all so close with each other, and it’s such a family dynamic,” Mix said. “We talk a lot about making these girls our sisters, and I think as a group this year it has been a very close dynamic. We’re all dancing, laughing, and chatting with each other no matter where we are, and I think that’s really special that we can all be so close in a short amount of time.”
While the new team has been largely successful, they have had to make some minor adjustments.
“It’s definitely been a change hitting-wise because the seniors we had last year had the experience, and they had the tempo down,” Mix said. “When you have the younger hitters, you have to adjust because they are still learning. We’ve done super well; it’s just a different dynamic and pace of play.”
One of the team’s greatest successes this year included beating St. Michael-Albertville for the first time in ten years. Heading into the backstretch of the season, they hope to keep their positive momentum going.
“I think the main goal is to keep getting better, stay competitive, and stay locked in so we can get through that hump of October into sections with a good seeding,” Mix said.
Next up for the Bison volleyball team will be a 7:00 PM home game against the Sartell Sabers on tonight, October 8.
