YAKIMA — As the Adna High School volleyball team were taking photos with the Class 2B state runner-up trophy, Wendie Dotson grinned from ear-to-ear.
She walked by the five seniors – Karsyn Freeman, Kendall Humphrey, Jaylee Humphrey, Danika Hallom and Gaby Guard – lined up side-by-side for an all-senior photo.
Even though the Pirates were swept by Manson in the championship game, Dotson delivered a victory to that quintet.
This fall was her 40th season at the helm at Adna and another senior class she was able to coach. Where does the 2024 team stack up to the rest?
“This is the best group I’ve had, by far,” Dotson stated while holding back tears. “I love them. They’re great to work with, they’re good friends, they have a great support system with their families.”
The numbers certainly agree.
Those five were catalysts of four straight top-eight finishes at state, back-to-back District 4 titles and well over 100 victories.
Guard, both of the Humnphrey’s and Hallom were coached by Dotson since they were in fourth grade. She knew back then what they could be at the prep level.
“It makes you feel you accomplished something bigger,” Guard said. “It feels good to know we're a really special group, no matter the outcome.”
Freeman transferred from Raymond/South Bend last season and was welcomed into the team with open arms. With the multi-sport star in the fold, Adna reached a level unseen in school history.
She took on plenty of attention from the front row that allowed openings for Hallom and Kendall Humphrey. In all four tournament games this season, Freeman recorded double digit kills.
“For her to say that, truly means a lot,” Freeman said.
Next year will look vastly different with new players stepping into the roles left by the five seniors. There is a brimming amount of confidence in the core group of returners, led by starters McKenna Torrey and Bailey Chapman.
Dotson isn’t thinking about retirement yet. She still finds the view from the sideline fun and will keep going so long as that feeling remains.
But she knows a group like this comes once in a lifetime.
“We had a great ride,” Dotson said.
