Doherty Spartans
Photo by Army National Guard
One of only 10 schools throughout the country to be honored on the tour, the 3rd Annual MaxPreps Girls Volleyball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard made a stop in Colorado Springs, Colo. to pay tribute to the Spartans of the
Doherty High School. This truly amazing team earned the honor by clinching the Colorado Class 5A state championship and a No. 13 ranking in the nation by MaxPreps Freeman Rankings.
We arrived at Doherty on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 2. We entered the crowded athletic building during a heated girls basketball game. By the size of the crowd, it was obvious that the Doherty community takes pride in its school's athletic endeavors. Impressed by the scene, Master Sergeant Mark Vasquez of the Colorado Army National Guard and Tracey McFadden of MaxPreps were greeted by Chris Noll, the Athletic Director, who expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
Shortly after we began to set up, Noll introduced us to head coach Tara Hittle. We shared our enthusiasm over Doherty's incredible season, making a special note that the last time the Spartan girls volleyball team won the state championship title, in 2003, coach Hittle was their star player.
After the girls basketball game ended, the crowds mingled in and around the court in anticipation of the Tour presentation and the boys basketball game to follow. The Colorado Army National Guard, with some help from the Spartan cheerleaders, engaged everyone by throwing t-shirts into the crowd. Noll took the mic to welcome the students to this special presentation to honor the Spartan girls volleyball players.
He introduced McFadden, speaking on behalf of MaxPreps, who described why the team was being honored. As she cited their incredible undefeated season of 29-0, their sweeping defeat of Grandview for the Colorado 5A state championship title, and their impressive No. 13 national ranking out of over 17,000 high schools nationwide, the fans responded with unbridled emotion.
McFadden then introduced MSG Vasquez, who called on the crowd to bestow some extended and well-deserved recognition upon Coach Hittle and her team. After commending the team for its determination, dedication and perseverance during this season, he presented the team and Coach Hittle with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy, commonly referred to as the "Minuteman" trophy. Coach Hittle and her team graciously accepted amidst the thunderous applause from the crowd.
From player to coach, Tara Hittle has certainly brought Doherty girls volleyball program full circle.
Congratulations to the Spartans for an amazing season!
