Titan volleyball ready for new era under Coach Hansen

The Tea Area Titan volleyball program is entering a new chapter this fall under the leadership of first-year head coach Cari Hansen, a Tea native and 2018 graduate of Tea Area High School.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of head coach for the Tea volleyball program,” Hansen said. “Growing up here and graduating from Tea Area in 2018, this community and program means a lot to me. I started coaching middle school volleyball here in 2020, and my love for the sport and for this program has only grown since then.”

This season is especially meaningful for Hansen, who already has strong ties to many of her athletes. 

“This year’s seniors were the first group of athletes I coached, and the freshmen were the last group I worked with at the middle school level,” she explained. “I feel so fortunate to already have that foundation with many of the players, and I’m excited to keep building on it as we work toward a strong, competitive season and a team culture we can all be proud of.”

The 2025 season brings a completely new coaching staff at both the high school and middle school levels. At the varsity level, Hansen is joined by JV coach Polly Gill, sophomore coach Carson Quigley, freshman coach Hunter Mees, and volunteer coach Abby Marts. The middle school staff includes 7th grade head coach Rachel Risse, assistant coach Cassie Altwine, 8th grade head coach Kristina Westhoff, and assistant coach Raeanna Kaddatz.

“I’m confident in the group we have in place and excited about the direction we’re headed,” said Hansen. “This group has put in an incredible amount of effort during the off-season, and their energy and commitment to the program have been outstanding. I’m thankful to work alongside coaches who are not only motivated to make this season a success, but also focused on creating a fun and positive experience for our athletes.”

The Titans are coming off their first season competing in Class AA, which saw the graduation of Claire Hank, Kya Haynes, Sienna Brech, and Kallie Boom. Hansen credited them with helping lay the groundwork for the program’s future.

“They took on the challenge of our first year competing in AA with heart and determination,” she said. “We’re grateful for the dedication they had to our program.”

With that foundation, Hansen is confident in the team’s direction. 

“The athletes have been working hard, and there’s a renewed sense of energy and purpose in the gym,” she said. “We’re focused on building a strong foundation, creating a positive team culture, and competing with heart every time we step on the court.”

The Titans return several experienced players, including seniors Ava Opland, Ellie Clayberg, Hayva Larson, Anaya Connors, and Reese Bruns, as well as junior Remington Bechard and sophomore Chloe Christensen.

“They’ve put in a lot of work during the off-season and have really set the tone for what we want this season to be about,” Hansen said. “Their leadership, work ethic, and commitment to the team have been key in creating a focused and motivated environment as we head into competition.”

Hansen also noted that younger players and newcomers are already making their mark. 

“Whether they’re incoming freshmen or athletes moving up from JV or middle school, they’ve been working hard and pushing the level of competition in the gym,” she said. “It’s exciting to see the depth and talent developing across the roster,  and we’re looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow throughout the season.”

Hansen believes the Titans’ teamwork and communication will be defining strengths.

“One of the key strengths we’ve seen early on is the team’s communication and strong work ethic,” she said. “The athletes are vocal, supportive, and committed to holding each other accountable, which has created a positive and focused atmosphere in the gym. As a new coaching staff, we’ve been impressed with how quickly the team has bought into our vision and how willing they are to put in the work. As the season progresses, we expect our teamwork, hustle, and overall cohesion to continue to grow and become a real asset on the court.”

Defensively, the Titans are putting in extra work. 

“One of our main areas of growth this season is on the defensive side of the game,” Hansen said. “We’re placing a strong emphasis on passing and defensive consistency, and it’s something we’re working hard on every day. The team understands the importance of a solid first contact, and we’re committed to making that a core part of our identity this season.”

While Hansen isn’t circling specific matchups on the schedule, she is confident in her team’s ability to compete.

“Rather than focusing on specific teams to beat, our mindset this season is to compete at a high level every time we step on the court,” she said. “We’re approaching each match with intensity, respect for our opponents, and a drive to improve. If we focus on our own growth and play to our potential, we believe we can be competitive across the board.”

The goals for the season, Hansen added, are bigger than wins and losses. 

“We want to build a strong, unified team culture, compete with consistency, and continue to grow every time we step on the court,” she said. “We’re aiming to improve our defensive play, strengthen our communication, and develop a style of volleyball that reflects our values: effort, accountability, and resilience. Ultimately, we want to be a team that gets better every week and makes our community proud with how we represent the program.”

2025 Tea Area Titans Volleyball Roster

Seniors: Ellie Clayberg, Ava Opland, Hayva Larson, Reese Bruns, Anaya Connors

Juniors: Taylor Cuppy, Talli Peschong, Elliana Dengler, Miah Throstensen, Abby Breuer, Remi Bechard, Abby Boom, Avery Franzen, Addison Brech, Claire Brooks, Brooklyn Berg

Sophomores: Chloe Christensen, Ava Andersen, Mya Roman, Addalynn Ackerman, Conlee Cernee, Ava Wipf, Lauren Thompson, Kambrey Chesley, Kennedy Chesley, Lillian Turek, Elena Mehlbrech, Irelynn Gibson, Te McKnight, Lily Graham, Kapri Drewes, Jayden Leegard, Kinsley Gass

Freshmen: Mikayla Berg, Evie Binde, Brynn Kline, Ali Eimers, Mya Krell, Cora Terveen, Emery Voelker, Brynn Wollman, Pearl Weiland, Sierra Waldner, Selina Bolte, Lola Harrington, Haley Knodel, Kelsey Kramer, Lily McMullen, Breanna Reiners, Emerson Smolik, Georgia Thim, Ivy Wadsworth, Ava Waldner

2025 Tea Area High School Volleyball Schedule

• Aug. 26 – @ Huron, Huron Arena, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 2 – @ West Central, West Central HS Colosseum, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 4 – vs Harrisburg, Tea Area HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 9 – @ Brookings, Brookings High School, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 11 – @ O’Gorman, O’Gorman HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 16 – vs Sioux Falls Jefferson, Tea Area HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 18 – vs Brandon Valley, Tea Area HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 20 – vs Pierre T.F. Riggs, Tea Area HS Main Gym, 2:00 PM

• Sept. 23 – @ Watertown, Watertown HS Arena, 6:30 PM

• Sept. 27 – vs TBD, Pentagon Tournament, Sanford Pentagon, TBD

• Sept. 29 – @ Lennox, Lennox High School, 7:00 PM

• Oct. 2 – @ Sioux Falls Washington, Washington HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Oct. 4 – @ Douglas, Spearfish HS Aux Gym (Quad), 3:00 PM

• Oct. 4 – @ Spearfish, Spearfish HS Main Gym (Quad), 5:30 PM

• Oct. 7 – @ Aberdeen Central, Central High School, 6:30 PM

• Oct. 9 – vs Sioux Falls Lincoln, Tea Area HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Oct. 13 – @ Madison, Madison HS Main Gym, 7:00 PM

• Oct. 24 – vs Mitchell, Tea Area HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Oct. 28 – @ Yankton, Yankton High School, 6:30 PM

• Nov. 6 – vs Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Tea Area HS Main Gym, 6:30 PM

• Nov. 13 – vs TBD, SODAK 16, Tea Area HS Main Gym, TBD