Paton-Churdan has among the smallest high school enrollments for public schools in Iowa. Activities Director and Principal Annie Smith accentuated the positives in a recent conversation with Raccoon Valley Radio. A member of the Rolling Valley Activities Conference, P-C went 4-13 in volleyball matches under first year head coach Nikki Uebel, up slightly from recent seasons, even though injuries plagued the Rockets. The wins totals the previous four seasons were 3, 0, 1, 1.

Only two seniors were on the squad this season with Mia Russell seeing the most playing time. Russell and junior Alivya Smith were named Rolling Valley Activities Conference Honorable Mention List honorees.

A.D. Smith commended Coach Uebel and assistant Josh Cerveny, both in their first seasons coaching high school volleyball. “We saw so many great things this season from our coaches and players. We won four matches, but beyond the wins and losses, we saw learning from adversity due to injuries, we saw younger players step up, and other had to take on roles that were new to them. Plus, the coaches really had to be creative in putting their lineup together, so just really proud of how everyone responded and how the season ended.”