Lewis and Clark Volleyball Honors Sophomore Class for Leadership and Legacy

GODFREY, Ill. — Lewis and Clark Community College celebrated its sophomore volleyball players during the Wednesday night match with Principia, recognizing a class that Head Coach Jenna Brown credits with helping transform the program's culture and set the standard for future Trailblazers.

"This group has brought a lot of commitment and trust," Brown said. "They bought into the program when I took over and believed in what I was trying to change. They've shown unwavering commitment to the program and all the expectations we've set."

Brown said the sophomore class has grown both on and off the court since arriving at Lewis and Clark.

"They have matured immensely in how they handle different situations," Brown said. "Through all the time they've put in during the offseason, their volleyball skills have also improved immensely since their freshman season."

The group's influence, Brown noted, extends beyond their own performance.

"They have set the example of how important it is to show up to commitments," she said. "They've all been through their own form of adversity and have shown the freshmen how to handle it with a positive attitude and grace."

As they prepare to move on, Brown said this class will leave a lasting legacy on the program.

"These sophomores will leave a legacy of the culture change for Lewis and Clark Volleyball," she said. "They were the first players under my wing and pushed those around them to be fully bought in to the new LC culture."

The five sophomores honored were Lauren Bertagnolli (Gillespie, IL), Kendall Meisenheimer (Bunker Hill, IL), Jenna Hood (Steeleville, IL), Emily Toeniskoetter (Fenton, MO) and Karen Lewis (Godfrey, IL).

Brown said she's proud of what the group has accomplished, both in competition and in character.

"Overall, I am extremely proud and grateful for having the opportunity to coach these five sophomores for two years," she said. "They are the leaders of the team by showing hustle, determination and positivity, and they all played an outstanding game tonight."

The Trailblazers controlled three straight sets (25-18, 25-18, 25-12) to lock in the 3-0 win over Principia.

Written by Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator