Tradition meets tough training
For years, the safest bet in town has been the La Conner Braves volleyball team making the postseason. Still, head coach Pam Keller refuses to leave anything to chance.
Now in her third year as head coach, Keller continues the rigorous preseason workouts that have fueled La Conner volleyball success for more than three decades.
“This crew is working really hard,” Keller said of the 2025 edition of the Braves, whose training before their Sept. 4 debut at the annual Burlington-Edison jamboree, included morning runs through town and dashes up La Conner’s steep hills.
As usual, La Conner will face non-league opponents from larger schools. The Braves, long a state 2B power, slated a Sept. 8 visit to 2A Anacortes and a Sept. 9 road test at 1A Blaine.
“We always like to play tough non-league teams,” Keller said. “We want to be challenged. That helps us get better and get ready for league (play).”
La Conner will join more than 80 other teams from all enrollment classifications at the Sun Dome Volleyball Festival in Yakima on Sept. 12 and 13.
“It’s always big, with great competition,” Keller said, noting that the Sun Dome is also the venue for the Washington State 2B Volleyball Tournament in November.
“I’m really proud of our seniors. They’re providing great leadership.”
Pam Keller, Braves head coach
The Braves open NW2B/1B play at home against Concrete at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16.
Keller has been an integral part of La Conner volleyball — which boasts seven state titles — as a player, assistant coach, and since the 2022 retirement of her mentor, Hall of Famer Suzanne Marble, the Braves’ head coach.
This year, Keller welcomes the return of much of the nucleus of a Braves squad that posted a 15-13 mark a year ago and earned yet another state tournament berth.
Among the key returnees are sisters senior Maeve McCormick and sophomore Nora McCormick, sophomore Reese Bird, and senior Addie Keller, the coach’s daughter, who as a libero last year was the recipient of a WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) Athlete of the Week Award.
Senior Izzy Villard and sophomore Julia Nelson return after last year’s postseason run. Keller is also hopeful that freshman Mia Delage, who saw action last season as an eighth grader and is now recovering from knee surgery, will be cleared to play at some point this fall.
Keller expects contributions from a strong eighth grade class as well.
Several of La Conner’s NW2B/1B rivals, including defending league champion Coupeville, are dealing with heavy graduation losses. The Wolves, who placed fourth at the 2024 state tourney, graduated seven seniors from the team.
By contrast, the Braves have three match-tested seniors on their roster this year. That should translate into cohesive team play.
“I’m really proud of our seniors,” Keller said. “They’re providing great leadership. As a team, the goal is for our fans to see one unit out there every night.”
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
