Senior team leaders Lauren LaBrosse and Katie Birum are sure about it: Volleyball is the single best part of their day.

“It’s a blast,” LaBrosse said of the sport. “I come to the gym every day after school. It’s the most relieving feeling, stress free.

“It’s definitely the most fun I have all day,” Birum adds.

The two seniors hope to instill the same love in younger players. Birum said they’re already bonding as a result of a recent retreat. She wants to see Cedarcrest win lots and go as far as state.

“I want our team to improve as a whole,” LaBrosse said. “We need to be more team players, not single players, this year.”

Reloading

It’s a tough league, but the Red Wolves returning volleyball veterans are stressing solid growth, every day.

The 2011 Cedarcrest varsity squad is led by three returning seniors: middle blockers Birum, Jordan Short and setter LaBrosse.

Birum is a natural blocker with “a high volleyball IQ,” head coach Brandon Jones said.

Short is a solid player who puts in a ton of extra time outside of practice to develop her skills. LaBrosse is the emotional leader of the team.

“Her skill and leadership are crucial to our success,” Jones said.

A key newcomer is Kendall Koch, who transferred from Eastmont High School in Wenatchee. Also in the mix are returning juniors Cassie Chriest, Maggie Gronberg and Kailyn Campbell.

The Lady Red Wolves were 4 and 10 last year. Once again, the Cascade league looks to be very tough, with Kings and Arch Bishop usually at the top. Cedarcrest hopes to be right up there with them.

Hard work will pay off, Jones says.

“Our practice theme for this season is ‘Get one day better,'” he said. “This is a realistic and reachable goal, and each girl is asked at the end of practice if they got one day better.

“Our athletes push each other every day at practice,” he added. “This is a full team effort.”

This is Jones’ third season with Cedarcrest. Assistant coach Ashlynn Owen is an alumni from Cedarcrest who was a defensive specialist. She brings enthusiasm and energy to the program.

Ex-Red Wolves now playing at college include Hannah Smythe, a freshman at Yakima Community College, and Raelea Davidson, a freshman at Bellevue college.

You can follow the Red Wolves volleyball program at www.chsvolleyball.webs.com.