Silverwolves Begin Season with Good Attitude
Sep 09, 2015 01:15PM ● By Bryan Scott
Sliverwolves
By Greg James
South Valley - As the third new head volleyball coach at Riverton High School since 2011, Diane Struck takes over a program that is on the rise. They have made the state tournament two year in a row.
Struck was named the program’s head coach after Lindsay Dumas stepped down last season. Struck is a BYU graduate and played volleyball at Salt Lake Community College.
The volleyball team has blanketed itself with the idea that success comes from within. Its website is full of positive articles and helpful hints to make an impact. They have adopted Karch Kiraly’s (former USA volleyball player) attitude of “making a difference.” They believe in themselves.
Some parents have taken notice of the team’s new direction and have said things like, “The team competition has been tough” and “We miss Lindsay, but the new coach is getting after it, too.”
The Silverwolves volleyball team finished third in Region 4 and qualified for the playoffs last season. Their state tournament began by beating Taylorsville 3-0, but they lost in the second round to Northridge 3-1. The team advanced in the one-loss bracket by defeating Davis 3-0. In the team’s final tournament game, they lost to Bingham in a hard fought battle 3-1. They placed seventh overall.
Region 4 has become the toughest in the state’s 5A classification. Last season Pleasant Grove placed first in state, Lehi second and Lone Peak third. Westlake, Herriman and American Fork each finished the season with more than 10 wins, but failed to make the playoffs.
The Silverwolves graduated five seniors last season, but the younger players saw significant playing time, gaining valuable experience. Shaylee Kartchner will return for her senior season. She was second on the team last season with 105 kills. Allie Gibson and Lexi Averett will also help to provide senior leadership to the team.
The Silverwolves were scheduled to begin their season Aug. 25 at home against Clearfield (after press deadline). Their first region contest is scheduled for Sept. 8 at Herriman.
