Sheridan returns to varsity volleyball action with a young and hungry squad
The Panthers won their first tournament of the season with wins over West Yellowstone and Lone Peak
The Sheridan Panthers returned to varsity volleyball competition in 2026 after only fielding a junior varsity team for the 2025 season.
“The move back to varsity competition is exciting for our team,” said Panthers head coach Sara Decker. “We spent last year building our program, and this year we are excited to come up to the next level. We want to show up for every game and be competitive.”
After an early loss to Twin Bridges, Sheridan rebounded in tournament play with wins against Lone Peak, West Yellowstone and Ennis Junior Varsity over the weekend according to the Panthers Athletic Booster Club Facebook page.
The Panthers feature a blend of experienced upperclassmen and four freshmen who play critical roles for the team.
“Sheridan has a few upperclassmen who the girls look up to as great leaders,” said Decker. “Senior Aurora Miller and juniors Addison Stout, Hannah Braaten, and Riley Chisholm bring experience from the past few years to the court. Our four freshmen will also have a huge impact on our teams, with two of them being our setters, and two of them as hitters.”
The young team will be tested early in the season with a series of four consecutive road matches that begin Sept. 4 when the team travels to West Yellowstone for a league match. Even after their tournament success, Decker and the Panthers team has stayed humble about their team goals for the season.
“Our goals this season are to execute an effective offense, to increase our defense by adding blockers, and to finish games strong,” she explained. “Practices will be focused on these goals and being better than the day before.”