During the 2024-2025 season, the girls' volleyball team consistently brought home wins, paving the way for what could have been a perfect season. As they reached the sectional championship, the Mustangs faced Beaver River for the third consecutive year, determined to secure the title. They didn’t take home the crown. But for the upcoming seniors, it lit a fire underneath them. They had one more season to leave their mark and earn the sectional title. It would take teamwork and dedication to take the Mustangs to the next level, and it starts in the off-season.
At Mount Markham, volleyball doesn’t end with the regular season. Many of the athletes participate in other sports while continuing to train for volleyball throughout the off-season, either individually or as part of a club team or camp. Captain Layla Rice acknowledges, "We have a better bond because we’re always playing together. It shows on the court."
When it came time for the 25-26 season, each player had personal goals, but they all shared a common objective: to win the championship title. However, achieving a championship doesn't happen overnight; it takes a little bit of progress each day to get to that level. “One rep at a time, one drill at a time, one day at a time,” is the mantra Coach McKane shares with his athletes. “Get 1% better every day, and you’ll be at your peak at the end.” This positive reinforcement encourages his athletes to perform their best while enjoying the game together. Layla emphasizes, “We have to work hard, play hard, bring our energy all the time, increase our volleyball IQ as we go, and always play at a high level."
The team knew that they had to take it one step at a time, one win at a time, to get toward that title. From the very first game, their hard work was paying off. They were giving it all they had on the court and taking home win after win. Although they were dominating the competition, it was beginning to take its toll on their performance. “We had a rough patch in the middle of the season. We had game after game without practice, and you could tell it was draining us,” Layla shared. But when it came to the final stretch for sectionals, they dug deep and pulled together as a team. “Right before sectionals, everyone knew they needed to refocus and excel at a higher level.”
The undefeated Mustangs were headed to the finals to face Beaver River, the champions of the last two sectional meet-ups. Despite previous losses, the Mustangs were excited for the challenge and determined to dethrone the Beavers.
It was a close start to the game with both teams fighting to gain the lead, but it was the Beavers who claimed the first set. The Mustangs were behind, but they weren’t giving up. After a pep talk from Coach McKane, their energy shifted going into the second set. “Relax, play your game, have fun, and play together.”
Which is exactly what they did to pull ahead in the second set; their momentum was unstoppable. “Sets two through four were the best volleyball I’ve seen all year,” said Coach McKane, “They played their best when their best was required.” The team took the second and third sets and only needed the fourth to take the title. With a healthy lead in the fourth set, it wouldn’t take much to secure the win. “When the ball dropped, and the point was ours, I jumped up and down, screaming, heart racing, and the whole team hugged and dropped to the floor,” Kyra reflects. “It felt surreal, and it felt that all of the hard work finally paid off,” Alex added.
For Layla Rice, it was a full-circle moment. She had been pulled up as a freshman for the sectional game her freshman year when they won in 2023, but for the last two years, they’ve fallen short to Beaver River. “Being a captain my senior year and winning against the same team, it’s great.”
What makes this team special is the way they play for one another, celebrating each teammate’s success. They have created an environment where they look forward to practices, not just because they love the sport, but also because they enjoy being around each other. While their primary goal was to win the sectional championship, they also cherish their individual accomplishments.
Mount Markham volleyball aims to continue its success for years to come. With two juniors and six sophomores returning, Coach McKane sees a lot of promise for the team’s future. “It’s gonna take reps and time, but they have really good potential, and I’m looking forward to seeing them succeed.” He also credits the coaches who work with the athletes from the beginning. “We’ve had quality coaches even starting at the lower levels with Lori Engle and Kayleigh Osborn in the middle school, Chris Osborn and Josh Higby with JV.” These coaches have not only contributed to the success of the program, but so have the families and community. “Our fans show out, they come out in droves, especially far away.”
For a few seniors, volleyball will not end at the high school level. Layla Rice hopes to play at the college level at Utica University, and Navy Escamilla is considering Mohawk Valley Community College. Although Kyra Piersma won’t be continuing with volleyball, she will be playing soccer at MVCC. While this was their last time playing as this team, they will always have the memory of becoming champions together.