The seven senior members of the Coalers Volleyball Team were recognized during Senior Night activities on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Honored for their commitment and contributions to the program were—Keirsten Gabehart, Riley Walker, Sydney Larson, Stana Milinkovic, Kiera Brodrick, Jaela Vasquez, and Ava Kenney.
Four year Coalers Volleyball player Keirsten Gabehart was recognized on Senior Night for her many contributions to the program. During high school, Keirsten has also participated in Track & Field and Math Team. She is a class representative in Student Council, secretary of National Honor Society and a mentor in the EmpowHer program. Following graduation in the spring, Keirsten plans to attend a four year university to pursue a degree in nursing while working toward becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Keirsten was escorted by her parents Jessica and Alan Gabehart.
Riley Walker has been on the court for the Coalers Volleyball Team for four years. Her contributions to the sport were recognized during Senior Night activities. While at Coal City High School, Riley has also participated on the girls basketball team and is a member of the school’s Pickleball Club. She is currently undecided about her plans following graduation in the spring. On Senior Night, Riley was accompanied by her parents, Jon and Kathleen Walker.
Sydney Larson is a four year member of the Coalers Volleyball Team and was recently recognized for achieving 1,000 career assists. A three-sport athlete at Coal City High School, Sydney is also a member of the girls basketball and track and field teams. She is a member of National Honor Society and EmpowHer. She plans to continue her education at Mizzou working towards a degree in nursing. On Senior Night, Sydney was accompanied by her parents, Chad and Jackie Larson.
Stana Milinkovic contributions to the Coalers Volleyball Team over the past four seasons was celebrated on Senior Night. In addition to her studies at Coal City High School, Stana is enrolled in the Grundy Area Vocational Center’s [GAVC] Cosmetology Program. Stana will continue her education at Prairie State College studying dental hygiene. Accompanying Stana on Senior Night were her parents, Trishelle and Luka Milinkovic.
Kiera Brodnick is in her third season with the Coalers Volleyball Team. Additionally, Kiera has participated in Coalers with Character, Math Team, Coaler Creations and EmpowHer. Following graduation, Kiera plans to enroll in a radiology program at a community College. She was escorted on Senior Night by her parents, Lauren and Joseph Brodnick.
Jaela Vasquez is a four year member of the Coalers Volleyball Team and her contributions were recognized during Senior Night on Oct. 15. She is also a member of Coalers with Character, Link Leaders, National Honor Society, EmpowHer, Drama Club, Pickleball Club, and is a stat girl for the Coaler Wrestling Team.. She also studies at Grundy Area Vocational Center. After high school, Jaela plans to study marketing at a four year university. She was accompanied by her mom, Ashley Smith on Senior Night.
Ava Kenney has been on the court for the Coalers for the past four years, and her contributions to the volleyball program were recognized during Senior Night activities. During high school, Ava has also participated in Coaler Creations, Yearbook, Link Leaders and Coalers with Character. Ava plans to continue her education starting at Joliet Junior College and transferring to a four year university to earn a degree in education as she hopes to become a physical education teacher and coach. Ava was escorted by her parents Jeremy and Jennifer Kenney.