JEWELL — In the words of South Hamilton Hawks volleyball coach Shannon Skartvedt, 2024 was a “transitional year” for the South Hamilton volleyball program. A team that didn’t have a senior, and did much of their learning in a trial-by-fire manner. But experiences gained could set the Hawks up to surprise some in the Heart of Iowa Conference in 2025.
Front Row
Coming into 2025, the Hawks possess one of the taller and longer front lines in the Heart of Iowa Conference, led by junior Tessa Skartvedt, who recorded a team-high in kills (155), attack efficiency (.167), blocks (27) and aces (53) as a sophomore. Joining her up front include junior Sara Scheller, who recorded 91 kills a season ago, Stella Martensen and Dayton Ferrie, who combined for nearly 100 kills in 2024. Claire Hewitt splits time between right side attacker and setter as well. Others to watch contribute to the front row include Ava Corbin and Riah Van De Pol.
Back Row
The back line play of the Hawks maybe was the biggest emphasis for Shannon Skartvedt and staff coming into 2025, and they bring back a promising libero in sophomore Emma Lammers, who recorded a team-high 286 digs last season. Riah Van De Pol does an excellent job of generating offense from the back, tallying 65 kills in 2024. Lillie Ammerman also adds some defensive prowess with 82 digs, last season, as Abby Richardson is coming off a promising junior year at setter, tallying 170 assists. Aliya Erickson will also provide some valuable depth as a setter, recording 149 assists and 82 digs in 2024.
South Hamilton opens their 2025 season with the Roland-Story early bird quad with the Norsemen, Webster City and Central Springs on Monday, August 25th at 5 PM.