Photo Courtesy of Mid-Prairie volleyball social media

Our eighth biggest story in Mid-Prairie sports from the last year, takes us inside of Tim Grady Gymnasium to shine a spotlight on the Golden Hawk volleyball team.

The Hawks captured their first conference championship since 2002, winning a share of the River Valley Conference title with a 6-3 record to end the 21-year drought. Mid-Prairie advanced through the first two rounds of the playoffs with sweeps of Saydel and Prairie City Monroe before dropping a four set match to No. 7 Center Point-Urbana in the 3A Regional finals, falling one step shy of state, their deepest playoff run in 19 seasons.

Mid-Prairie finished in the top 10 of Class 3A in 12 different team and individual stat categories, leading all of 3A in digs, aces and kill efficiency, while finishing second in the state in total kills and assists. Five Golden Hawks were named All-River Valley Conference. Dakota Mitchell and Jovi Evans were first team choices, Callie Huber and Harper Pacha were second team selections and Paige Safly was honorable mention. Mitchell was named River Valley Player of the Year after leading the state in digs. Mitchell, Evans and Pacha were each chosen All-District and All-State. Golden Hawk head coach Sherry Evans was recognized as River Valley Conference Coach of the Year for the second straight season and named Iowa Girls Coaches Association Coach of the Year for the Southeast District. The Hawks set a school record with 31 match victories. They were ranked in each 3A poll issued during the season by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

Our countdown continues Thursday with the seventh biggest story in Mid-Prairie athletics from the last year when we highlight Mid-Prairie student Griffin Caskey.