By Amy Florell,  ICS volleyball assistant coach

Utah high school girls’ volleyball has a new state champion. Intermountain Christian School launched an unprecedented title for their school when it won only the second high school athletic championship in the history of the institution (the first was boys’ golf in 2008). There are not many things that can compare to the thrill, fanfare, and school-wide bonding that accompany winning a state championship, especially when it is a FIRST in a long time.

Although you will find much written on “what it takes” to win at this level, there is some mystery and providence involved that cannot be denied. Generally speaking, a volleyball state title involves having talented players, staying healthy, and getting a few breaks along the way. Additionally, championships are won when your team is at their best when it matters and the athletes have a special chemistry that propels them to unite: two necessities that are gifts from God and cannot be manufactured and two realities that were present for our 2021-22 girls volleyball team.

Under the leadership of a coaching staff that provided many years of experience, technical/strategic support, and valued unity, the team pushed through challenges that included two varsity starters being sidelined for serious injuries for a good portion of the front end of our season. The charge and harmony between those on the court and the bench never wavered and the chemistry that had been developing over the years amongst the seniors steadfastly held the culture of this team.

ICS won the championship game because it did to Panguitch what it did to Rich and various other schools within the tournament. With all six senior varsity starters back on the court, we were a different team which allowed for game-altering momentum and runs. The Lions found their gear and took it the distance to bring home the big WIN.

In a way, ICS won the trophy twice. The injuries that plagued the beginning of our season might have crippled a lesser team, but their fortitude, faith, and God’s providence served toward championship caliber in every respect. It was an epic end for a team that now has their names in the history books of ICS.