By Ken Hansard

Goddard High Head Volleyball Coach Micki Soft-Heim will take the reins this year for a Goddard High Lions volleyball team that is looking to establish a new identity. Coach Soft-Heim’s goal, first and foremost, is to instill her culture with the team.  “I want my team to be the best versions of themselves, on and off the court. I expect them to work hard and give everything. My biggest expectation for them is to be better than they were yesterday. They need to be relentless about growing, learning and improving each day, on the court, in the classroom, and out in the world.” 

Soft-Heim says the Lions will rely heavily on seniors Morgan Foos, a Libero and Defensive Specialist, and Madison Valentine, a Middle Hitter. She also mentions Reece Albin, and Aubrey Gifford as keys to the success of this year’s team.  Soft-Heim says of Foos, “Morgan is a great leader. She always sets the tone for the team, and they feed off her energy. She has a great work ethic. Her passion for the game of volleyball helps her perform at a high level.”  She added this note about Albin, “Reece Albin will be a go-to senior. Her athletic ability and leadership skills will help the team play at a higher level.  

In addition to a strong senior class, Coach Soft-Heim credits junior Emerson Wedel, an Outside Hitter, as being an all-around athlete with striking power and the ability to see the court and create plays.  

Soft-Heim feels that her underclassmen should also play a significant role this season.  For that formula to translate to success on the floor, the Lions will need for their upperclassmen to embrace Soft-Heim’s culture to pass down to the younger members of the team. “Creating team chemistry will be our biggest factor to success. They need to trust each other completely.”