WHEATLAND –  Lindsay Schaffner took a team of girls that she has coached at the Wheatland High School level to a National Tournament in Orlando. The Wheatlandland team played against teams from many other states and placed 22nd out of 150 teams.

“We played teams from Florida, Indiana, Michigan, South Carolina, North Carolina, Minnesota, California, Missouri, and Arizona,” Schaffner said. “Day one: We finished pool play 2-1 beating teams from Indiana and Michigan. Day two: We finished pool play 2-1 beating teams from South Carolina and Minnesota. Day three: Undefeated in pool play finishing 3-0 beating teams from Michigan, California, and Missouri.”

The Final pool play record for the Wheatland girls was 7-2.

“On the last day of pool play we had a match to see if we would be put into the gold or silver bracket,” Schaffner said. “We ended up losing to an Arizona team 23-25 and 15-25. That put us into the silver bracket. There were 12 brackets total so we ended up in the top two of the entire tourney. In bracket play we lost to the eventual silver bracket champions.”

Overall finish: The girls placed 22^nd out of almost 150 teams.  

“This is a huge accomplishment for these young ladies,” Schaffner said. “I am so proud of how they represented Wyoming and themselves. This group made some memories that will last a lifetime. I am blessed to have been part of this incredible journey.  These young ladies are like family to me.”  

Some thoughts from the girls who participated.
"My third trip to Orlando was by far the best! We saw some great competition. We lost a tough match to get into the gold bracket on the last day of pool play. Overall, we finished 22^nd out of 147 teams. I could not be more proud to be on such a supportive team with coaches that are selfless and would do anything to see each of us succeed. This experience and this team is so much bigger than any of us. It takes a lot to build a program with this much chemistry, love for the game, and so much love for each other. I can confidently say that this group of girls is more than just a team, we are FAMILY. Again, and enormous thank you to the coaches that have put in countless hours and encouragement. Without them this would not be possible." Kendall Schaffner Senior Outside Hitter

encouragement

"Going to compete at the National Tournament in Florida was an incredible experience. We were given the opportunity to play against teams from all over the country. We were able to take in this opportunity and grow as a team while still having fun. Competing at a venue this size has broadened our volleyball experience." Hadley Paisley Senior Outside Hitter

"Traveling to Florida and playing at the AAU Junior National Tournament was a great experience. We were able to compete with high level athletes from all over the country. It was a great opportunity to grow as a team." Alley Gunter Senior Libero

"Playing at junior nationals in Florida is always a great experience. We face teams from all over the country. Coming from a town of 3500 and beating teams that are top ranked in their state is always a blast." Brinley Heimsoth Senior Rightside Hitter

"I am so grateful to have been able to travel with the U18 Ascend team to compete in a massive national tournament playing teams from all over the country. Being able to compete with highly skilled teams in such a large facility has undoubtedly improved my confidence as a player and as a team. It was amazing to see the bonds formed between players, parents, and coaches over the past week and has made our team even more closely knit than before. I am so thankful for the coaches that provided us this opportunity  to improve our volleyball skills and chemistry." Grace Battershell Senior Setter