The Notre Dame Academy Pandas are setting their sights on a remarkable eleventh state title after recently defeating St. Henry in the Ninth Region volleyball final. Just hours after securing their fourth consecutive regional championship and the 39th in the school’s history, the team quickly returned to practice to prepare for the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) state tournament. The Pandas clinched their region title with a decisive 15-6 victory in the final set against the Crusaders.
The atmosphere during practice was notably positive, as players focused on key skills. Senior Audrey Dyas, who has committed to the University of Toledo and was named the Ninth Region tournament MVP, expressed enthusiasm about the team’s efforts. “It’s an honor to wear the Notre Dame uniform so our team works really hard and we are excited,” Dyas stated.
Notre Dame’s success is also attributed to the contributions of its four seniors: Dyas, Lizzy Larkins, Grace Portwood, and others. Portwood, a University of Indianapolis commit and the team’s leader in kills, along with Dyas, who leads in blocks, have played pivotal roles. The team also boasts future collegiate talent, including Larkins and senior Katie Zwick, both committed to Ohio Dominican University, and junior Teagan Kondik, who will play at Cincinnati. Sophomore Makayla Roose has garnered several scholarship offers as well.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Strength
The Pandas faced significant changes this season, losing seven seniors from the previous year. Co-head coach Hannah Colvin emphasized the need for players to step up, especially after losing Julia Grace to Xavier, which left the libero position uncertain. “Dara Jackson embraced that role. This group has had to really improve to win the region,” Colvin explained.
As they look toward the state tournament, Notre Dame Academy (29-7) will face West Jessamine (28-11) in the first round on Monday at 19:00. The Pandas have a strong historical advantage over West Jessamine, having won both previous matchups in 2020 and 2023, also during state tournaments.
The winner of Monday’s match will advance to the quarterfinals on November 7 at George Rogers Clark, with semifinals and finals scheduled for November 8. Last year, Notre Dame reached the semifinals but was eliminated by eventual champions, Louisville Assumption.
Eyes on the Prize
Colvin believes her team possesses both the talent and determination necessary for a successful run in the state tournament. “I think for any team that gets to state, the goal is to win,” she noted, while also emphasizing that they are not taking anything for granted.
The Pandas will likely need to overcome the formidable Assumption team, the two-time defending champions and currently ranked No. 1 in the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association state poll. Notre Dame is ranked second, and while both teams are positioned in different brackets, the possibility of facing each other looms large.
Madison Salkowski, Colvin’s co-coach, echoed the sentiment of caution, stating, “We know that anything can happen.” The two coaches, lifelong friends and Notre Dame alumni, are navigating their first season together as co-head coaches. Their successful collaboration is evident, with both coaches bringing specialized knowledge to the team—Colvin focuses on defense while Salkowski guides the offense.
The Pandas have redefined their rivalry with Assumption in recent years, achieving six victories in their last eleven meetings. This shift began when Colvin and Salkowski returned to the team as assistants, marking a significant turning point for Notre Dame’s volleyball program.
With the tournament just days away, Colvin remains realistic about the challenges ahead. “We have to keep working hard. We’re winning the serve. I like our passing game. We’re getting teams out of system,” she stated, underscoring the balanced strength of her team.
Portwood, one of the senior leaders, remains optimistic about their chances. “I think our team goes into every match with confidence,” she said, adding, “If we get to play Assumption again, we can give them a battle, even win. But we have to get there first.”
As the Pandas prepare for their quest for the 11th state title, the focus remains on hard work and determination, embodying the spirit of competition that defines high school sports.
