It would be virtually impossible for the Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran volleyball team to replicate its magical and memorable run of 2024.
The Lancers made history when they captured the Division 5 state championship last year in Green Bay. It was Immanuel Lutheran’s first state title in any sport.
Three starters graduated from that title team, but three starters also return from the squad that went 38-4.
“We have a good group coming back, but we will need to get contributions from several newcomers to compete at a high level,” said veteran Lancers coach Joe Lau, who enters his 30th season at the school. “After some growing pains, we hope to compete against good teams by the end of the season.”
Immanuel Lutheran does return its leading hitter and top setter from the 2024 team.
Senior Gabi Radichel is back after collecting 533 kills and 314 digs last season. She knocked down a game-high 20 kills in her team’s win over Columbus Catholic in the state championship match.
“It is a new season, but we are ready to show people what we can do,” Radichel said. “It was a dream come true to win state last year. We have a lot of younger girls and new weapons this year. We are really prepared to work hard and we are ready for everything.”
Senior Leah Thompson also returns to direct the Lancer offense. She finished with 1,118 assists and 163 digs as a junior.
Thompson provided assists on all but five of her team’s kills in the state title match.
“It was a surreal feeling to win state. We had never experienced that before,” Thompson said. “The players that return will have to step up and provide leadership for the younger players. We have to learn how to work together and build a strong foundation.
“I am really excited for this season. We are looking forward to it.”
Starter Grace LeDuc also returns. She had 42 kills and 40 digs a year ago.
“It was a really big blessing to be able to go to state last year,” LeDuc said. “It’s exciting to be starting a new season. We are really looking forward to seeing how far we can take it this year. We just have to stay focused and take it one match at a time.”
Immanuel Lutheran has captured five straight Dairyland Conference titles, going undefeated in league play during each of those seasons.
“Being able to extend that streak is one of our goals,” Lau said. “That’s something we are shooting for, and it won’t be easy because there are some up-and-coming teams in our conference. And they will be looking to knock us off.”
The Lancers also have their sights set on the earning the school’s third trip to the state tournament.
“Making it to state is always the ultimate goal,” Radichel said. “We have to take it one step at a time. We are focused on winning conference first and then we can look to make it back to state.”
Immanuel Lutheran held team tryouts earlier this week as it begins preparations for the upcoming season.
“Having our main setter, Leah Thompson, back is big for us. Plus she is one of our better hitters,” Lau said. “Gabi is coming off a great season last year and she is our top hitter.
“This won’t be last year’s team. But I am impressed with the players that return and with some of our newcomers. We feel like we have a chance to have a good season, and we will see how far we can go.”