All photos from Roberta Pratt.

In a quick three sets, Hamilton Girls’ Volleyball took down Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA) to win state! These girls have worked so hard throughout the season to make this possible and we are so proud of them! In order to adequately celebrate their success I interviewed several varsity seniors to get their thoughts and reflections on this past season and competing at state.

First, I asked senior Aubrey Hicks to describe a little bit about what the road leading up to state was like this year, especially since they had gotten so close to winning against DSHA the year before. As Hicks put it, “Obviously, we had what people would call the ‘sectional of death’ with playing all amazing teams [the] big ones like Arrowhead and Menomonee Falls are what really prepared us for state. Also, in the semi finals coming off of a five set reverse sweep against Oconomowoc, that was so much fun and I think gave us a lot of trust in each other, in our team, and in our abilities to go win and play how we did in the championship. Everyone had a ton of confidence going into that game. There has been a rivalry between our two teams for a very long time now especially losing to [DSHA] last year in the state championship. Also, we have some huge seniors that I’ve been on the team for three years with, and we felt it was our time.”

The team has done so much this season to not only go through the “sectional of death” but also to face DSHA again in the championship and come out victorious.

Obviously, the moment of realizing the team won was euphoric and probably more than words can describe, but I asked senior Emily Zgonc if she could try to put that feeling into words. Zgonc says, “The moment I realized we won state was so surreal. The first time I went to the state tournament was as a spectator in sixth grade. Watching those teams celebrate their victories, I knew I wanted to experience that with my own teammates someday. I imagined myself in their same place—surrounded by the same girls I had been playing with since fifth grade—hugging, smiling, and crying together. I had been visualizing that exact moment for years, so it felt like everything had come full circle when my visualization had finally come true.”

One unique part of this game was that we got to see the two Baldwin sisters, senior Brooke and freshman Claire, play together in their final Hamilton game. When asked to touch on how playing with her little sister made that moment special, Brooke says, “Playing with my younger sister was a dream come true! She and I share the same competitive and fun loving spirit, so every time we got to step on the court together was so much fun and such a blessing. Winning a state title with her by my side and her playing a very key role is one that means more than words can ever express. It’s also so cool seeing another set of sisters (Coach Traci and her sister Cindy) also both winning state titles.”

Senior Spotlights

Brooke Baldwin (Left) and Claire Baldwin (Right)

Brooke Baldwin (Setter) - Captain

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“The season as a whole was magical. Every single person on this team worked so hard to get to where we are. The bonds made within the team is one that many teams can't say they have, which made this season so special. Especially being able to cap it off by winning a state title with my best friends.”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“The dog pile after the last ball dropped.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“I would like to shout out Coach Traci and Schneider for pushing this team and preparing us for everything, along with being great people and always being there for us as people first.”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?

“Don’t be afraid to take risks as those can become your favorite memories!”

Holly Hawthorne (Defensive Specialist)

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“Our team words this year were ignite and joy. Throughout the entire season we truly embraced these words which helped the season be as successful as it was. Despite the ups and downs we faced, whether it was an injury or sickness, our constant drive and dedication never failed. Going into the season we knew we had one end goal, and that was to win state. Every lift, every practice, and every game, we gave it everything we had to help strive for this goal. Advancing into playoffs we knew it was going to be a tough path; however, the love we had for one another is what brought us to victory. The joy, love, and friendships are what made this season so inspiring, entertaining, and memorable.”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“The momentum switch after the second set against Oconomowoc to reverse sweep and advance to the championship.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“Brooke Baldwin and Emily Zgonc.”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?

“Some days are going to be harder than others, but if you find the joy within the game and the people, those hard days will seem 10 times easier.”

Aubrey Hicks (Middle Blocker/Rightside)

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“Our season as a whole this year was so amazing. There were so many ups and downs throughout this entire year, but ultimately, we reached our goal: being state champions. That came with a lot of hard work, and when myself and my team made the commitment to always choose joy and to love each other, that is when things really started to come together and [it] ultimately helped us win a state championship.”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“My favorite memory from state was winning the state championship, beating DHA in a three set thriller. It felt even better as we have lost to them countless times both this year and in years past. To beat them in the state championships like that was truly an amazing experience. I am so happy that I got to do it with my best friend and I would never choose any other person or any other team.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“I would like to shout out the entire senior class. Every single one of these people has helped me grow in a way I never knew that I could. Everybody’s personalities came together and taught me different things that I will carry on and cherish for the rest of my life. Brooke, Sylvia, Emily, Holly, Keiveana, Addie, and Grace are my forever best friends, and getting to do this with them by my side has been an unforgettable experience. They have helped me grow both as a person out in the world and as a player on the court.”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?

“One thing that I would tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball is that it is the happiest sport. Sure every point ends in a mistake, but with five other girls on the court and a whole bench waiting to lift you up, you never feel alone. I hope that everybody can feel the joy that the sport brings and the relationships that come with it.”

Keiveana Petersons (Rightside)

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“I would say it’s been an adventure.”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“Having the upset of the year by winning state.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“Definitely the coaches, they've always made it about us and helped us achieve this goal we’ve had for years.”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?

“Whether you play or sit on the bench, always be ecstatic for others, it doesn’t matter what you do, you are a part of the team!”

Addie Terry (Defensive Specialist)

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“This season was filled with so much joy and love, which carried us through it all. We didn't have a perfect season; however, it was very successful. We took the hard losses and other challenges and used them as motivation to achieve our main goal: winning state. Our season was structured by our team words—ignite and joy. Throughout our difficult playoff path, we embraced those words to find the most success. I believe that the close bond all the girls had on our team helped us have the best season and proved that love always wins. The friendships and memories made this season will last forever.”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“My favorite memory from state was our semifinal game against Oconomowoc. Despite being down two sets, we all kept believing and trusting each other and we pulled off a reverse sweep!”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“All of my teammates!”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?

“Don't get in your head, stay confident and trust yourself! I would also encourage anyone who wants to try out for volleyball to put everything into the sport and the team because you will meet your best friends and make your greatest memories here.”

Sylvia Wargolot (Outside)

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“This season is almost impossible to put into words. In a short couple of months, our team was able to become a family, we played with joy and love until the very end and we left everything on the floor.”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“My favorite memory from state was looking around at my teammates in the locker room while we were singing and dancing before the match and realizing how grateful I am to be a part of this team with these girls I love.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“I would like to shout out my parents for helping me grow as an athlete, their unwavering support allowed me to push myself to become the athlete I am today and toward the athlete I want to become.”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?

“I would tell them to dream big and go for it! You’ll never know what’s in store for you unless you try.”

Grace Wellens (Middle)

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“I would describe the season as very joyful, because I made so many good memories!”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“Winning.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“My dad because of his support.”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?

“They definitely should because I’ve learned so much about life, not just volleyball. You’ll make your best friends and your greatest memories.”

Emily Zgonc (Libero) - Captain

How would you describe the season as a whole?

“This season was SO JOYFUL! Like most teams, we faced our fair share of failures alongside our triumphs. We didn’t have a perfect record, we didn’t win every tournament, and we didn’t even win conference—but we won state! The growth we experienced throughout the season was remarkable. All of our trials and tribulations molded us into the team we needed to become. By the end of the season, we were battle-tested and bonded—a combination that made us a force to be reckoned with at state. I have nothing but love for my teammates, my coaches, and this program, and I couldn’t have asked for a better ending to my high school volleyball career.”

What is your favorite memory from state?

“My favorite memory from state came immediately after the game point of the championship match. Everyone collapsed into a dogpile, and I felt nothing but joy and love for my teammates.”

Is there anyone you would like to shout out that has helped you grow?

“My coaches Traci Buhr and Annie Schneider believed in me four years ago and have definitely helped me grow since then. Their positive influence has shaped me not only into the volleyball player I am today, but also into the person I am today.”

What would you tell anyone who wants to try out for volleyball?