Sophomore outside hitter Havanna Dolbeare was named the captain of the Class 1A all-tournament team after leading the Ankeny Christian Academy volleyball team to its fourth state title in five years on Thursday night at Xtream Arena in Coralville.
Dolbeare had 20 kills and 13 digs as the top-ranked Eagles rallied from a one-set deficit to beat No. 3 Janesville, 15-25, 25-18, 25-15, 25-15. She racked up 57 kills and 31 digs in her team’s three matches at the tournament.
Here is some inside info on Dolbeare:
Congratulations on winning the state title. Did you do anything special to celebrate afterwards?
Thank you! I got to have a much-needed meal with my family!
Your team lost the opening set to Janesville before sweeping the next three sets. Were you worried at all at that point?
No, I knew our team had some nerves going in. The first set gave us an opportunity to shake off the nerves, learn more about Janesville because we’ve never played them before, and come out stronger for the remaining sets.
You told me after the championship match that you couldn’t believe what your team had accomplished. Has it set in yet what you guys were able to do?
It still feels so surreal. I’m so proud of everything the team has accomplished this season.
Did you ever imagine back in August that the season would end with you being named the captain of the all-tournament team after leading your squad to the title?
Ever since we took Ankeny to three sets (on Aug. 25), I knew we had a chance to win state, but no, I never dreamed of being named all-tournament team captain. But it’s such an honor to represent my team and all their accomplishments.
Your team’s only losses this season came to Class 5A qualifier Ankeny and Class 3A qualifier Roland-Story. Do you think you benefitted from those matches even though you lost?
Absolutely. Losses help remind us we are not invincible and highlight areas where we need to continue to work on. Both teams have incredible competitors, and playing that level of competition is always a blast regardless of the outcome.
Your team was strengthened this season by the addition of three freshmen, including Gabbie Quick, who joined you and junior Breeze Bentz on the all-tournament team. Did you know how good Gabbie, Dani Craighead and Maleah Porter were going to be?
Yes, I’ve followed them the last three years on the Fusion team. I also played with them for junior high ball when I was in eighth grade and they were in seventh. Not only are they amazing volleyball players, they are also incredible human beings and friends.
You had a good season as a freshman and then obviously took a big step forward this year. To what do you credit your success this season?
All of the amazing coaches I’ve had the opportunity to work with, from my club coaches, to Iowa High Performance coaches, to of course my ACA coaches led by coach (Michele) Quick.
The win over Janesville was the 250th career victory for coach Quick. What makes her such a good coach?
She has full belief in the team that we can win, no matter who we are playing. She constantly affirms us that we’ve put in the work, rely on one another and play our game, and we will be successful. Even with the smallest of mistakes, she is giving us great guidance to correct and make us even stronger players.
Will you take some time off now, or will you begin playing club ball right away?
What is time off? Nope, I go right into both club volleyball and varsity basketball for ACA.
I’m sure you’d like to play volleyball in college. Have you started to hear from schools yet?
Yes. I started my recruiting journey last fall, and I’ve been blessed to hear from several schools. I’ve been to a number of prospect camps, games and campuses. I still have two school seasons and three club seasons left that I’m excited to enjoy every minute, but I’m also excited to continue my volleyball journey in college for sure!
Do you know what you want to study?
I want to be a secondary math teacher and a volleyball coach.
