CASPER, WY — In a celebration of hard work, faith, and family values, Kelly Walsh High School’s Trojan women’s volleyball team clinched the WHSAA State Championship this weekend, finishing an unbeaten 36‑0 season and marking the program’s third straight state title.
Coach Barkell Highlights Mental Toughness
Head coach Jeff Barkell praised his seniors for their perseverance, noting, “It’s special when you get three in a row, but especially with this group of seniors. They’re special kids who work really hard and set the tone every day.” He added that the team’s success was less about skill and more about emotional discipline, saying, “It is not a skill thing; it is going to end up being an emotional thing. We regulate and we make sure we’re doing what we need to do.”
Senior Leaders Speak on Perseverance
Senior setter Gia Ireland reflected on the team’s resilience: “I just feel super proud of us, because there were moments where we could have backed out and given up, and we never gave up.” Outside hitter Lillian Hudson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the rarity of an undefeated season: “For a lot of us, it is our last time playing and I think the way that we went out — an undefeated season — there are not many teams that do that, so it’s really special.”
Team Unity From Middle School to the State Finals
Many of the players have been teammates since middle school, forging friendships that extend beyond the court. Senior setter Sedar Smith described the bond as “best friends,” while defensive specialist Mylie Morrison said the experience shaped her personality: “It kind of shaped my personality and made me who I am today.” The Trojans’ on‑court chemistry was evident as they executed fast‑paced, precise plays, defeating Star Valley, Sheridan, and Cody on their way to the title.
Community Support and Future Outlook
Fans filled the stands with chants of “Go big green!” and celebrated each point with cheers that lifted the players’ spirits. Coach Barkell remained confident about the program’s future, noting, “We’ve got plans. You never know how it’ll all come together, but we’ve got a really good group coming back again.”
The championship victory not only adds to Kelly Walsh’s athletic legacy but also reinforces the school’s commitment to developing character, teamwork, and a strong work ethic—values that resonate with families throughout Natrona County.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
