Chatfield’s volleyball legacy continues to grow
LITTLETON — Three-straight 20-win seasons which led to three consecutive appearances at the Class 5A volleyball state tournament has securely put Chatfield on the map of perennial state contender.
“We have footsteps to fill and a job to do. It’s not impossible. There is a confidence there,” Chatfield coach Stephanie Schick said during Monday’s practice. “It’s exciting to see them committed to working hard so we can continue our success.”
The Chargers, ranked No. 2 in the 5A volleyball CHSAANow.com preseason poll, have one of the best overall records in the state over the past three years with a 69-17 mark. A remarkable run as the No. 12 seed to the 2014 5A state championship game got the ball rolling.
Chatfield lost in the tiebreaker set in 2015 to just miss out on advancing to the state semifinals. Last year, the Chargers lost to eventual state champion Fossil Ridge in the state semifinals.
“We will need grit, if we get there,” Schick said of what is essential if Chatfield advances to state for a fourth-straight year. “Everyone needs grit once you get there because all 12 of the teams have earned their way there.”
This year’s journey begins with the realization that eight graduated seniors are gone.
“We want to start off and work together as a team,” Chatfield junior Shea Fuller said of the mentality after losing a handful of key seniors to graduation, including her older sister Haley Fuller who is playing at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. “We work together as a team we’ll figure the rest out along the way.”
The talent level hasn’t dropped off much for Schick. Back to lead the Chargers is 5A Jeffco League all-conference selections Breanna Jones (first-team) and Julia Eiken (second-team). The senior outside hitter and middle blocker is just the start of talent pool Schick is able tap.
“Julia Eiken and Breanna Jones are fun to watch. They are great teammates without exception,” Schick said. “I can’t wait to put the rest of the pieces around them and watch it become smoother around those two. They are phenomenal.”
On paper it appears replacing the graduated setter tandem of Abby Plant and Nicole Langford could be an issue. The two combined for more than 850 assists last season. However, Fuller will slide over to her more natural setter position. It’s actually the position she plays on her club team.
“I’m definitely really excited,” Fuller said moving into on-court general for Chatfield. “I want to be able to help everyone focus on our goals and be a leader. We want to run a fast offense.”
Schick says finding a libero to replace JayCee Jones to sure up the defense is a top priority. Filling the role of Sierra Bartley, who had more than 850 kills during her four years as an outside hitter, is another point of emphasis. Schick says she is fortunate to be at the helm of such a strong program.
“I’m honored to be a part of it with these girls,” Schick said. “They are so talented and I can’t take a lot of credit for that at all. I’m lucky to be able to be with these girls again.”
Fuller and senior Lacey Cowan were both all-conference honorable mentions last season. The two don’t have any intention of allowing the Chargers to take a step back from winning the 5A Jeffco League title for the first time since 2009 last season.
“I think Chatfield’s program is a lot about legacy,” Cowan said. “It’s important to keep that feeling in the gym that we are always competitive. It feels really good to be back in this environment. There is so much love in the gym all the time.”
