Grizzlies celebrate team spirit at volleyball awards night

The Rocky Mountain High School volleyball program closed the season last week with an uplifting and emotional awards ceremony, honoring athletes from both the varsity and junior varsity squads for their leadership, improvement and contributions on and off the court.

Although the Grizzlies finished with an excellent 21–13 record, there was some disappointment in not placing at state. None of that was evident at the ceremony, however, as coaches and athletes shared stories, celebrated one another and reflected on what a truly memorable season it had been.

Junior varsity awards

Assistant coach Lauren Robertson presented the junior varsity awards, which were voted on by the players themselves.

Most Valuable Player: Kennedy Brimhall

Most Inspirational: Leah Haslem

Most Improved: Bailey Gifford

Robertson reflected on how much she enjoyed coaching this group, noting the tremendous growth she witnessed throughout the season. She praised the girls for the way they fought through every match, supported one another and consistently put the team first. She also expressed appreciation for the loyal Grizzly fan base, whose energy, she said, “adds so much to the atmosphere of every game.”

Varsity awards

Head coach Kay Townsend spoke emotionally as she reflected on the season, expressing deep pride in every member of the program, from managers to freshmen to the varsity roster. She emphasized how the girls came together as a united team and consistently lifted each other up.

Townsend also acknowledged the essential role parents and fans play in the success of the program, thanking them for their support, snacks and willingness to travel across the state to cheer on the Grizzlies.

Coach Townsend shared that she approached leadership differently this season, choosing a rotating captain for each match. In the final three weeks, the team voted to select permanent captains, choosing Lauren Bassett and Layla Gardner to lead them through the home stretch of the season.

Townsend then presented the varsity honors:

Most Valuable Player: Bassett

Most Inspirational: Halle Grandalen

Most Improved: Gardner

Other honors were also recognized during the ceremony. Bassett earned All-State distinction for her outstanding play. Several athletes received 2A West Regional Awards, including Bassett, Keylee Christiansen, Kaysie Cooley and Grandalen. These four were also selected for the Northwest Conference team, joined by Charlee Welling, underscoring the strong individual performances across the Grizzly roster this season.

With the enthusiasm and team camaraderie evident at last week’s ceremony, there is no doubt that RMHS volleyball, under Coach Townsend’s leadership, will continue its winning ways.