Vining Returns To Colville Volleyball With Focus On Culture, Consistency

Michawn Vining knows what championship-level volleyball has looked like in Colville. Now back with the program as head coach, Vining is looking to take lessons learned from Colville’s 2011 state championship season and apply them to a new generation of Crimson Hawks. “I am really excited to be back as part of the Colville Volleyball program, and I truly appreciate how welcoming and sup- portive the girls and families have been,” Vining said. “I know there can be a lot of changes and adjustments that come with a new coach, but everyone has been so helpful and encouraging throughout the transition. I am grateful for the oppor- tunity to be here and am excited to see what this year brings for Colville Volleyball!”

Vining inherits a group that has already put considerable work into preparing for the season. “This team has shown tremendous commitment throughout the summer, practicing twice a week with 15–20 athletes attending each day,” Vining said.

“We also had several athletes participate in the HUB Summer League in Spokane on Tuesday evenings. It has been exciting to watch them work hard, gain experience, and build confidence on the court.” Beyond repetitions and skill development, Vining has also spent the offseason establishing what she wants the program to represent. The team held a leadership council meeting to develop the Core Covenants for the program.

“The thoughtful conversations and ideas our athletes brought to the table were inspiring,” Vining said. “They have a great understanding of what it means to be part of a team and the kind of culture they want to create together. Their commitment, leadership, and investment in one another have been some of the highlights of our summer.”

Colville will have an experienced senior group to help establish that culture. Vining has five seniors she expects to play significant roles, led by Georgia Beardslee. “Georgia is an outside/middle hitter who played on a travel team that competed at Nationals this summer,” Vining said. “She is a strong, aggressive hitter and has the experience and skill to make a significant impact for our team this season.”

Emily Danekas gives the Crimson Hawks another experienced option on the outside and has made tremendous improvements in all areas of her game. “She has emerged as a strong, confident hitter and will be a force on the court,” Vining said. Then there is Taya Kinney, who could fill several roles across the front row. “Taya may play a little of all three hitting positions this season, but she has been working hard to learn the middle position,” Vining said.

“She has embraced the challenge of learning a new position and is putting in the work to become a strong contributor. She is also a positive leader who encourages her teammates and consistently leads by example through her work ethic.” In the back row, senior Amika Nuneker is expected to contribute while also taking on a larger leadership role. “Amika is one of our liberos and has really stepped into a leadership role this year,” Vining said. “She has been intentional about encouraging and supporting the underclassmen. Her leadership and willingness to help others will be valuable to our team this season.” Britta King rounds out the senior group.

“Britta has returned for her senior season and will bring valuable experience to our team,” Vining said. “She is a strong passer who will provide consistency on the court and will definitely make an impact for us this season.” The Crimson Hawks also return several juniors who could have important roles. Aubree Kubesh has emerged as another leader within the program.

“Aubree has really stepped into a leadership role this year,” Vining said. “She leads not only through the hard work and effort she brings to the court, but also through the character she demonstrates on and off the court. She sets a great example for her teammates and has become an important leader for our program.”

At setter, junior Katie Roy will be tasked with directing the offense and has a great knack for putting the ball in the right spot to give hitters the best opportunity. “Her ability to make good decisions and create opportunities for our hitters will be an important part of our offense this season,” Vining said. Hannah King also returns and gives Colville another steady presence defensively. “She reads the ball well and is a strong passer who will provide consistency and stability for us on the court. I expect her to play an important role in our team’s success this season,” Vinning said.

Colville’s roster also includes several younger players Vining believes could become significant contributors. Sophomore setter Andrea Edwards is one of the names to watch as she has great hands and is developing touch and consistency. She also brings a spark to the team. “She has put in a lot of work this summer and has already stood out as a spark on the court,” Vining said. “Her work ethic and enthusiasm will bring a lot of energy to our team, and I’m excited to see how she continues to develop throughout the season.”

Neriah Kinney, Natalie Riley, Roslyn Fotheringham and Rylee Brisby have also caught Vining’s attention. “They are fierce competitors who play with confidence and aren’t afraid of the moment,” Vining said. “As underclassmen, they have already shown that they are willing to compete, work hard, and challenge themselves. Their competitiveness and fearless approach will be exciting to watch as they continue to grow within our program.” Vining’s return to Colville also reconnects the program with one of the most successful seasons in school history. She served as an assistant coach during Colville’s 2011 state championship run under longtime coach Missy Bennett.

“Having the opportunity to coach alongside Missy Bennett, a Hall of Fame coach, was an incredible experience,” Vining said. “She brought an incredible amount of knowledge and experience to the program and built it in a very college-like manner. I learned so much from watching how she coached, developed athletes, and built a strong program culture.” Some of those concepts are returning with Vining. The coach said they are bringing back “Chalk Talks” where the team focuses on the ten values of true athletes.

Vining said that many of Bennett’s coaching philosophies are being incorporated. “I’m excited about the opportunity to use those ideas to continue building our program,” Vining said. The 2011 experience also shaped Vining’s belief that chemistry can be every bit as important as talent. “Being part of the coaching staff for the 2011 state championship team was also a definite highlight for me, both as a coach and as a parent,” Vining said. “The bond that team had was incredible to watch, and it reinforced for me how special a team can become when athletes truly believe in and support one another. I’m hoping to build that same sense of connection, commitment, and pride within our program this season.”

That emphasis on culture is at the center of Vining’s coaching philosophy, wanting to build character first. “I want our athletes to understand the responsibility that comes with being a Colville Volleyball player,” Vining said. “They are not only representing their school, but also the entire Colville community, and I want them to take pride in that responsibility.” On the court, Vining wants the Crimson Hawks to become a more disciplined and consistent team as the season progresses.

The team has been focused on improving its skill level and being more disciplined. “Reducing the number of mistakes we make and learning to play with greater consistency will be key to our success this season,” Vining said. For Vining, however, the broader goal extends beyond the win-loss column. “My goal is to develop athletes who are not only better volleyball players, but also better teammates, leaders, and people.