By Mark Ambrogi
Carmel High School’s tradition-rich athletic program added a missing jewel when it recently grabbed its first girls volleyball state crown.
Greyhounds coach Rich Coleman said a devoted group of six seniors made the difference.
“This group is full of great leaders and selfless individuals and I couldn’t be prouder of them or happier for them,” Coleman said in an e-mail response to Current in Carmel. “They do so much work on and off the court to be successful that it has shown all of the underclassmen what it takes. The dedication they have shown the program throughout their four years has been second to none.”
Fifth-ranked Carmel beat top-ranked Cathedral three games to one in the Class 4A state championship match on Nov. 8 at Muncie. It was Carmel’s 121st Indiana High School Athletic Association state title.
The Greyhounds had lost to Avon in Class 4A state title game the previous two seasons. That experience helped the team.
“I think that the team was able to understand how much focus we need throughout the week and were able to balance enjoying the experience with working hard to prepare to win the match,” Coleman said.
The most prominent senior is 6-foot outside hitter Carly Skojdt, who had a team-high total of 569 kills and is headed to play for Michigan next season.
“Carly’s stats and on-court accomplishments speak for themselves,” Coleman said “What people didn’t get to see is how hard she pushed her teammates in practice, the numerous times she stayed late to do extra reps, or all of the film she studied during the season. She’s obviously a great athlete and phenomenal volleyball player, but her work ethic and leadership is what really sets her apart. The most important thing to me is that she handled it all with humility and desire to keep getting better.”
