New Coach, Returnees Key to Lakers Volleyball Success
By David Latva

The Mackinac Island volleyball program will have a new coach on the bench for the Lady Lakers, as Anneka Myers has stepped down and Nikki Helsel, the school’s high school science teacher, will face her first season with six returning players.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the transition," said Coach Helsel. "The girls have accepted me and my changes and have great attitudes."

The 1998 alumnus of Manton High School and 2003 graduate of Michigan State University is very excited about her first year in the classroom and on the court. Her husband, Russ, will help her as an assistant coach.

Seniors returning for their final season for the Lady Lakers are co-captains Emma Chambers and Blisse Beardsley, with juniors Melissa Bunker, Emily St. Onge, Christina McLean, and sophomore Kristi Kamphuis rounding out the returnees for Mackinac Island.

First-year players are freshman Karlena Mosley and eighth graders Shayleen Mosley, Danielle Wightman, and Arial Leeper.

"The strength is in our setters and leadership roles from the older players," added Coach Helsel. "Our team weakness is game experience for the younger girls, but that will come with practice time and games."

The Lakers will vie for the Northern Lights League championship along with Beaver Island, Hannahville, Paradise, Grand Marais, and Munising Baptist, and in tournaments at Mackinaw City, Engadine, and their own invitational that will prepare the Blue and White for the district tournaments.