Aug. 27—JAMESTOWN — Grit and genuine smiles are what Jamestown High School volleyball fans can expect this season.
"I would say our fans will see a lot of smiles and genuine fun being had on the court," Jamestown High School head volleyball coach Sara Hegerle said. "Yes, we can hit a good ball and defend the floor well — but the joyful attitude and spirit will make it very enjoyable."
The Blue Jays' high school volleyball program had 56 girls at volleyball tryouts this year, while at the middle school level there were 63 athletes trying out for teams.
"We were expecting that many," Hegerle said. "It is exciting to see so many kids want to be a part of our program — I know that's a good sign. It also keeps everything very competitive with lots of energy in the gym."
After some competitive days in the gym, Hegerle made some tough decisions regarding which players would make up her varsity roster.
"We have a lot of great players," Hegerle said. "It's just a matter of placing them on the right team. We are still working on team placement for some positions — but this week will give us a better idea of who will play where."
Hegerle has five major key returners this season in Lucy Falk, Hannah Attleson, Amelia Newman, Quinn Biloff and Claire Marker.
"There are other great returners, but these had the most court time last year," Hegerle said. "They have all improved, gotten stronger and are ready to start playing."
During the 2025 conference season, Falk accounted for more than 300 of the Blue Jays' kills, averaging more than 18 per match. At the end of the 2025 regular season, she was the second-leading attacker in all of the Western Dakota Association.
At the state tournament, she recorded 17 kills against Fargo Davies and 27 kills against West Fargo Horace. She was named to the 2025 First-Team, All-State team.
Attleson was the Jays' starting setter last year — a role she took on after not setting for three seasons. In her 21 matches played, Attleson recorded 547 assists, 303 digs, 36 kills, 23 aces and 38 blocks. When Attleson was in the back row, Biloff took over at setter. Biloff made 162 assists and 123 digs in her first season on varsity.
Newman was the Jays' third-leading attacker last season. During her time spent in the front row, she accounted for 122 kills, eight blocks and seven assists. In the back row, she pitched in 237 digs and 23 aces.
Marker will be a junior for the Blue Jays. She ended her sophomore season as the Jays' second-leading attacker with 165 kills. She primarily played middle blocker for the team last fall.
The five athletes Hegerle mentioned helped Jamestown's 2025 team go 22-14 overall and 13-5 in conference. Last season marked Jamestown's 12th trip to the state tournament in 16 years. The Blue Jays have not missed a state tournament since the 2021 season. The Jays placed seventh at the 2025 NDHSAA State Tournament, defeating West Fargo Horace 3-1.
"I'm expecting another great season," Hegerle said. "This is a pretty tight-knit bunch, so they are very familiar with each other. I've said a number of times that this is going to be a good season."
One of the key strengths of the Blue Jays' 2026 squad is the general demeanor of the team.
"We have competitive athletes with the desire to win, yet they are lighthearted and super fun to be around," Hegerle said. "That's a good combo — they don't take themselves too seriously but know when to get after it."
Jamestown's first scheduled action is set for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28-29, at the Bismarck Crossover Tournament. The first conference game is scheduled for Sept. 1 against Bismarck St. Mary's. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Jerry Meyer Arena.
Before Jamestown sees its first competition, the team has a few things to sure shore up.
"I would say we need to work on our team defense, including our blocking," Hegerle said. "We have players that are gritty — it's just a matter of getting the right combination on the court."
Whatever combination that Hegerle puts together, it's sure to be one that keeps fans entertained.
"Fans always show up to support (our team)," Hegerle said. "I think that is something that has never changed. ... keep coming out to watch and cheer for a great group of students."
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