Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
MaxPreps and the Colorado Army National Guard made a stop in Monument, Colo. to pay tribute to the
Lewis-Palmer volleyball team. This truly amazing team earned the honor by clinching their second consecutive Colorado Class 4A state Volleyball championship and was ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Rankings.
The 5th Annual MaxPreps Volleyball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard arrived at Lewis-Palmer High School on the morning of Friday, Jan. 16. As we drove up to the home of the Rangers, we could not help but admire its breathtaking setting; nestled amongst the backdrop of the snow-capped foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the quaint town of Monument.
Upon arrival we were enthusiastically greeted by athletic director, Nick Baker. He gave us a brief tour of the athletic facility that ended in the gym with an introduction to head volleyball coach Susan Odenbaugh and her team.
The gym began to fill with students, parents and faculty eager for the recognition of its No. 1-ranked volleyball team. As the kickoff to Lewis-Palmer's Winter Sports Assembly, Baker took the mic and introduced Tracey McFadden on behalf of MaxPreps. After calling the players and coaches to center court, McFadden quickly got to the point as to why the team was being honored.
She began by citing their incredible win over Pondorosa High School to clinch their 5th Colorado 4A State Championship, and their impressive 29-0 undefeated season. Tracey continued to pay tribute to the Rangers' No. 1 national ranking in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 Rankings, as well as the team being named the MaxPreps 2014 Volleyball Team of The Year. As the excitement grew throughout the crowd, she paid special tribute to senior player
Alexa Smith, named MaxPreps 2014 Volleyball Player of the Year, and coach Odenbaugh, the MaxPreps 2014 Volleyball Coach of The Year.
McFadden then introduced Sergeant Christina Sparks from the Colorado Army National Guard. SGT Sparks congratulated the team for its determination, dedication and perseverance during this season. She commended the players on their commitment to "being something bigger than just themselves" and presented the team and Odenbaugh with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy, commonly referred to as the "Minuteman" trophy. Coach Odenbaugh graciously accepted the award and took the mic to acknowledge her team's selflessness and unity in achieving this victory.
Congratulations to the Rangers for an amazing season!
