As the Lind/Ritzville Broncos gear up for the new volleyball season, Head Coach Cari Galbreath reflects on a remarkable 2022 campaign that saw the team reach the semifinals of the 2B state volleyball tournament. With a record of 14 wins and 2 losses, the Broncos showcased a blend of talent and determination that made last season memorable.
Coach Galbreath expressed her pride in the team’s performance, noting, "It was just a good mix of players filling their roles all very well, and they were all competitive and intense. It was a memorable season for sure." However, the Broncos will face the challenge of replacing three key seniors—Hannah Towne, Sage Galbreath, and Zoe Galbreath—who were integral to the team's success last year.
Despite the loss of these core players, the Broncos return a solid group of athletes who gained valuable experience during their semifinal run. Coach Galbreath emphasized the importance of integrating returning players with newcomers to maintain the team's competitive edge. "It’s just getting those that were here last year and some new ones to fill those roles and get things smoothed out," she stated. The veterans are stepping up, and the younger players are eager to contribute, although there may be an adjustment period as they adapt to the pace and tempo of the game.
This season, players like Rose Fedie, Allesandra, and Zoe Mendez are expected to take on larger roles within the team. Coach Galbreath has noted the growth of Allesandra in terms of maturity and confidence, while Fedie has shown readiness to embrace a leadership position typically held by upperclassmen. Zoe Mendez, described as a "powerhouse" on the court, is anticipated to make a significant impact this season.
Looking ahead, Coach Galbreath is optimistic about leveraging the momentum from last season into 2026. She aims to avoid a drop-off in performance, stating, "I hope to gain from that and not have such a fall off. We still do have things to work out and things to fix and just clean up." The Broncos are focused on maintaining their status as one of the top teams in their league, which includes tough competitors such as Freeman, Almira/Coulee-Hartline, Liberty, and Colfax.
Embracing the underdog role, Coach Galbreath believes her team thrives on the challenge of competing against strong opponents. She acknowledged that Liberty and Colfax are expected to be formidable this season, with both teams showing signs of improvement. To achieve success, the Broncos will need to prioritize their defensive strategy. Coach Galbreath remarked, "For us to be successful is for us to win the defensive game to just wear a team down." Last season, the Broncos excelled defensively, with only two teams managing to win two sets against them, and twelve of their victories were shutouts.
Galbreath hopes that the discipline and focus exhibited by last year's squad will carry over into the new season. She emphasized the importance of a strong defensive mentality, stating, "We were disciplined and just stayed locked in. It allowed us, offensively, to finish some rallies because everybody was doing their part defensively."
As she enters her 12th year as head coach, Galbreath relishes the opportunity to develop her team further. "Each new year, I do like figuring out how to grow the team, like figuring out our weaknesses and how to clean those up and hide them with some strings," she said. The Broncos are set to kick off their season on September 8 against Davenport, followed by their home opener on September 10 against Reardan at 6:45 p.m.
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