Liz Baethke feels a lot more comfortable now as the head coach of the Ankeny volleyball team.
The Hawkettes feel a lot more comfortable with her, too.
Baethke took over the program in the summer of 2023 and guided Ankeny to a 24-15 record in her first season. The Hawkettes qualified for the state tournament before falling to Ankeny Centennial in five sets in the Class 5A quarterfinals.
Now, with seven returning varsity regulars, Ankeny is fifth in the Class 5A preseason rankings.
“The practices have been going really well,” said Baethke, who was named the Class 5A West district coach of the year last season. “It helps that we are healthy, and I’m not the new kid anymore. There are still a few things that will take time to grow, but the seeds have been planted as far as I’m concerned.”
The Hawkettes boast a trio of returning all-staters in seniors Baileigh Carlsen, Reagan Hanfelt and Kamryn Scheib. They were all named to the Class 5A third team a year ago by the Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association, which also placed the trio on the all-district squad.
Hanfelt, a middle hitter, tied for fifth in Class 5A with 101 blocks. She also racked up 37 aces, 239 kills and a .277 hitting percentage.
Hanfelt, an Iowa State recruit, was named to the CIML Conference second team.
“I have been very pleased with Reagan’s work ethic,” Baethke said. “Her ceiling is unlimited, and she continues to grow in leadership roles.”
Scheib, an outside hitter, was also a second-team all-conference selection. She has committed to play for Bellevue University.
Scheib led the Hawkettes with 301 kills as a junior. She also had 33 aces.
Carlsen, a libero, ranked second in Class 5A and tied for 17th in the state with 500 digs. The Auburn recruit also recorded 37 aces and 117 assists.
Carlsen was a third-team all-conference pick.
Four other varsity regulars are also back. They are senior outside hitters Olivia Eike and Maya Ridgeway, senior defensive specialist Ilana Coleman and sophomore outside hitter Marlee Ellison.
Eike contributed 119 kills and 44 blocks. She received all-conference honorable mention.
Ridgeway had 91 kills and 22 blocks, while Ellison added 67 kills. Coleman chipped in 115 digs.
“(Senior) Carly Olson suited varsity last year and will start as our middle hitter opposite of Reagan,” Baethke said. “This crew of returners has put in a lot of court time, and the expectations are high. They all bring energy and intensity, so they will be fun to watch.”
Juniors Madi Anselme and Hailey Flanders are among the others contending for playing time. Sophomore Raquel Risk could also be a factor.
The Hawkettes will open the season on Tuesday by hosting the Ankeny Quadrangular. Ankeny Christian Academy, Dike-New Hartford and North Polk will also compete.
No. 6 Dike-New Hartford is coming off a 50-0 season and has won three of the last four Class 2A titles. No. 1 Ankeny Christian is the two-time defending champion in Class 1A.
Tuesday’s matches will provide a good opening test for an Ankeny team with championship aspirations of its own.
“As a team, our physical goal is to stay tapped into playing consistently at a high level despite whoever is on the other side,” Baethke said. “As for the mental side, we want to control what we can control and be solution driven. I am huge into establishing leadership responsibilities, so we are excited to see who is willing to step up and think outside the box.”