Printer Friendly Version - Cougars’ Volleyball Carving out the Heart to Beat Playoff Adversaries

Senior captain Reese Timothy and the H-K volleyball team have already secured a 13-5 record on the regular season, as the Cougars look to ready themselves for the postseason. Photo courtesy of Robin Callender

Outside hitter Sammy Minickene is a senior captain and a key part of the Cougars’ volleyball squad as a utility player on the floor. Photo courtesy of Robin Callender

The Haddam-Killingworth volleyball squad is once again developing itself as a prime contender for Shoreline Conference and state crowns. Still, the diligent Cougars are constantly working even harder than the prior day to ensure they are a teflon team that cannot be vanquished on the high-pressure stage.

In 2022, H-K finished 13-7 in the regular season to also notch the 13th seed in the Class S State Tournament. After a 3-0 sweep of No. 20 Wright Tech in the first round, the Cougars bowed out by that same decision against 4th-ranked and eventual champion East Hampton in the second round.

H-K additionally made the Shoreline Conference Tournament and took an opening round loss to Valley Regional (3-1) to push its overall record for the campaign to 14-9.

The Cougars have clawed their way to another postseason berth already with a 13-5 record on the 2023 regular season. Yet according to their head coach, they are nowhere near putting their foot on the break, and are ready to ride a wave of momentum full steam ahead into the playoffs.

“H-K’s goals are to play as competitively as we can no matter what the score is, and never give up. We want to fight til the end,” said Robin Callender. “We need to continue to work on believing in ourselves and our teammates, play sometimes out of our comfort zone, and produce less unforced errors if we want to go far in the Shoreline and state tournaments.”

Seniors Reese Timothy and Sammy Minickene were chosen captains for the 2023 season, and have done a sound job leading the Cougars on and off the court. Timothy is a setter and right side hitter, while Minickene is an outside hitter who is a utility player and force on the floor.

“I have seen Reese show significant growth these last two years. She has a positive attitude, especially when the match is extremely close and teammates are feeling the pressure. Reese is able to keep calm and power through by focusing on what the end goal is, which usually has a positive impact on her teammates,” said Callender. “Sammy is our outside hitter who plays all six positions. Her serving is impeccable and so consistent, especially when we desperately need a point or two. Sammy has an attitude of support and encouragement towards her teammates, which helps the team feel secure and confident. Her serve receive is extremely consistent and on point at all times. She is a capable, reliable, and motivating captain.”

H-K deploys a dynamic duo of juniors in Lauren Wiese as a middle hitter, plus Ava Mazzotta as another dual setter and right side hitter. They follow the template of their senior counterparts by being tremendous upperclassmen who influence others through their winning mindset and amazing athletic abilities.

“Lauren is always hard-working and dedicated to learning as much as she can. Lauren gives 100% on and off the court and always plays her best. Lauren is a consistent blocker for H-K and is extremely supportive to her teammates,” Callendar said. “Ava is kind, caring, and trustworthy and has a strong work ethic. She also has a consistent serve, and is able to produce many points from her serving and hitting. Ava is a key component to our team being successful.”

In the final warm-ups for the postseason, the mission on the minds of the Cougars is to maximize their mental fortitude and cerebral skill set when it comes down to the white-knuckle moments, and come through in the clutch.

“I’m hoping that we can find a way to make smarter decisions, especially when we are near the end of the set,” said Callender. “We need to adapt to a strong mindset to equip us with extra confidence and the tools we need to cope during crunch time, when if your team doesn’t take control of the situation, anything can happen.”

The 2023 Haddam-killingworth volleyball team roster is comprised of seniors Ava Harriman, Jillian LaRosa, Samantha Minickene, Reese Timothy, Annabelle Zajac; juniors Jayani Bennett, Ava Mazzotta, Caley Napoletano, Caoimhe Sweeney, Lauren Wiese; sophomores Stephanie Coleman, Olivia LaTorre, Nola Minickene, Grace Natanzon, Emma Valls; plus freshmen Audrey Bailey, Kacey Coon, Ava Geissler, Juliette Harriman, Maizie Irons, Makenzie Keating, Mia Lomuntad, and Ava McNamara.

Callender is back for her ninth season as the Cougars’ leader on the bench. Sandee Moyher, the JV Coach, has been at that post for nine campaigns as well. H-K is also assisted by part-time assistants and program alumni Emily Jennings and Kate Porter.

“They fill in when they can, and all three coaches bring an over-abundance of experience, knowledge, and expertise to the team,” said Callender. “They all have patience and understanding, teaching all of the skills necessary for the JV team to improve in all aspects of the game and be successful in their skill development. It’s beneficial to get the younger coaches’ input, as the sport is always evolving and changing with the times. After JV practice is over, the coaches help me with the end of the varsity practice, which is extremely helpful for us. I immensely appreciate all of my JV coaches and the support and knowledge they bring to the team.”

2023 Haddam-Killingworth Volleyball Team Regular Season Results and Schedule