At the beginning of the 2024 season, Yakima Valley College’s volleyball team needed to find a way to stay competitive when major injuries knocked a couple key players out of the lineup.
Head Coach Darci Dekker said the team navigated that adversity thanks to a family-oriented culture that the Yaks have nurtured over multiple seasons.
“The incoming freshmen all knew of the culture we have built within our volleyball program,” Dekker said. “My sophomores led by example and were all great leaders. Our culture is based on teamwork and creating a family atmosphere within our team.”
The Yaks notched an 11-3 conference record (18-10 overall), finishing No. 3 in the East Region and making it to the NWAC tournament for a fourth consecutive year.
“That consistency means we are doing something right,” Dekker said. “It helps with recruiting and building our culture.”
ABOVE: The Yaks celebrate after scoring a point during a September victory over Spokane Community College. TOP: Sophomore McKenna Steiner, who ranked fourth in the NWAC in kills per set during regular season play, spikes the ball.
With injured players returning to action for the last couple weeks of league play, the Yaks closed the regular season with five consecutive victories, including a 3-0 win over previously undefeated Columbia Basin College in the final match of the season.
“We finally have our full roster heading into Regionals,” Dekker said. “We will do great if the team can trust their teammates and play relaxed. I feel we are peaking at the right time. They need to trust the process and learn from every single point. We must cut down on unforced errors and go out and play up-tempo, clean volleyball.”
She noted attributed a large portion of the Yaks success this season to her players being selfless and supporting one another.
“The girls truly care about each other as teammates and as people,” Dekker said. “Great people make great teammates. I am very, very proud of the way they have represented YVC and our volleyball program.”
Four players made this year’s All-Region team with sophomore outside/opposite hitter McKenna Steiner and freshman setter Joleen Jaeger named First Team, sophomore middle blocker Ana Hrle named Second Team and freshman outside hitter Kaitlyn Leaverton named Third Team.
Jaeger, from Juan Diego Catholic in Draper, Utah, also was thrice named NWAC Setter of the Week while placing fourth in the conference in assists per set for the season. During the week of September 9 – 15, Jaeger totaled 206 assists over four matches at the NWAC Crossover tournament, tallying more than 40 assists in each match while adding 39 digs, 13 kills, four blocks and two aces. During the week of September 30 – October 6, she totaled 80 assists in a pair of 3-0 victories. And during the week of October 16 – 23, Jaeger recorded 36 of the Yaks 42 assists in a 3-0 victory over Wenatchee Valley College.
Meanwhile Leaverton, from West Valley High School in Yakima, was named NWAC Offensive Player of the Week for September 30 – October 6 when she racked up 34 kills and 34 digs in two Yaks victories.
Sophomore Ana Hrle, left, and freshman Ailianna Quaempts with a block against Walla
Walla University.
Whatever the outcome of this year’s tournament, Dekker said the team’s trip to Curley Lake in north-central Washington as they started preparing for the season will be a standout memory for her.
“Our team is very close and that trip really helped everyone learn about each other,” Dekker said. “I don’t think any of the girls will ever forget it. The bond with this team will always be there far after our season is over.”
Yaks claim No. 1 seed in Elite 8
In a 5-set, seesaw match the Yaks handed host Skagit Valley their first loss since the middle of September to take the No. 1 seed out of the North Regional to the NWAC Volleyball Championship, taking place November 22 -24.
A 27-25, 25-17, 30-28 victory over Rogue in their first match of Regional on November 16 set up a battle the following day with Skagit Valley, winner of 14 straight matches. But the Yaks brought their own 6-game winning streak to the battle and showed the team's resiliency with a 25-18, 15-25, 25-22, 13-25, 15-13 victory.
Dekker said the team was tense at the start of the match, which showed up in its passing and lack of defense, but the Yaks also showed their mettle in tough situations.
"I think at this point in our season it all comes down to trusting your teammates, believing in yourself and the power of being a true team," Dekker said. "We know we have the ability to go all the way. Never count us out. We are a talented team with a ton of heart and grit. I am beyond proud of every single player on our team and proud of the commitment they have made."
The Yaks, who finished third in the 2023 NWAC Volleyball Championship, will play West No. 2 Highline in the quarterfinal round at 2 p.m. November 22. The Elite 8 takes place at Pierce College and games will be streamed online.
Story by Dustin Wunderlich, director of community relations. Photos by Wunderlich and Ross Courtney.