CORTEZ – When M-CHS squares off with Durango on Aug. 20 to kick off another volleyball season, a whole bunch of Panthers will be in a unique position – in the starting rotation for the varsity team.
Between graduations and offseason injuries for a couple of projected 2026 starters, M-CHS head coach Danielle Waltman gets a preview of the future of her program – much earlier than she had anticipated.
“We’ve had big roster changes since last year,” Waltman said, “but I know that the girls and I will progress through the changes as the season goes along.”
The 2025 Panthers enjoyed their best season in the past four years with a double-digit win campaign and the program’s first postseason appearance since 2021.
While new offensive combinations appear imminent, Waltman holds confidence that her girls will be able to take care of their side of the court when in possession.
Junior Addison Sopha becomes the new fulcrum to the offense from her setter position, having dished out over 100 assists a year ago as the backup in that role.
Classmate Alana Harris steps into a middle blocker role, while four-year M-CHS program member Journey Seymour emerges as a varsity contributor for her senior season.
“We want to build our knowledge of the court, especially as we prepare for what’s coming at us from our opponents,” Waltman said. “We want to stay fluid, communicate and be able to adapt to what we’re seeing from one point to the next.”
With more than 40 student-athletes filling The Jungle with the cacophony of chatter and energy – nearly half of them from the incoming freshman class – Waltman recognizes that the program’s depth gives them a good chance to see players emerge through the junior varsity ranks and make for spirited practices as players push one another for playing time.
“One thing that’s impressed me so far is just how hard this roster is working,” Waltman said, “and that’s something I know I can count on from these girls.”
The Panthers open the season with three consecutive home matches against Durango (Aug. 20), Monticello (Aug. 21), and Grand County (Aug. 26) as they look to establish their rhythm before league play begins at Bayfield on Aug. 27.
M-CHS heads to Page, Arizona, for their busiest weekend of the season on Sept. 4-5 before returning for road matches against Pagosa Springs (Sept. 8) and Mancos (Sept. 15). IML play occupies most of their final month of the season, with matches against Dolores (Oct. 1) and Monticello (Oct. 6) to break up the league span. A home contest against Alamosa on Oct. 17 closes out the regular season with Senior Day for the Panthers.