After a record-setting 2024 season, the Cashmere High School volleyball team enters the 2025 campaign with high expectations, a loaded roster, and one clear goal: climb even higher at the 1A State Tournament.
The Bulldogs are coming off the best season in program history, finishing 21-4, going undefeated (16-0) in SCAC league play, and capturing the school’s first-ever state trophy with a 5th place finish at the 1A State Tournament. Even more impressive? Every single player from that roster returns.
With no seniors graduating last year, head coach Katie Broadbent enters the season with a roster full of experience, chemistry, and drive.
“The girls have put in an incredible amount of work in the offseason,” said Broadbent. “Although the roster will look relatively the same, this will not be the same team we saw last year. We have players returning that can fill multiple roles, which makes us extremely versatile. Their confidence has grown tremendously. One of the most enjoyable things about this group is their chemistry — they push each other and stay united, all with their eyes on the 1A State Championship.”
Star Power Returns
At the center of the Bulldogs’ success is Macie Smart, a junior outside/opposite hitter who earned SCAC Player of the Year honors and was named to the All-State Tournament Team. Smart led the Bulldogs in nearly every statistical category last season, including aces (77), kills (428), and digs (251), and is expected to once again be one of the top players in the state.
Running the offense is standout setter Cali Diaz, also a junior, who dished out 824 assists and added 64 aces, 51 kills, and 166 digs en route to earning 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All-State recognition.
The Bulldogs’ front line is bolstered by the powerful duo of Taylor Kunz (jr.) and Hazel Schade (sr.). Kunz, a versatile middle/outside hitter, tallied 156 kills and 43 aces last season. Schade led the Bulldogs in blocks (39), served at a team-best 96.3%, and added 175 kills. Both earned All-League honors last season, and both will help anchor the net this season.
Defensively, junior Mandy Barba returns at libero after a strong season with 211 digs and 29 aces. Barba was a 2nd team All-SCAC selection last season. Teagan Kerns (jr.), an outside hitter and All-League Honorable Mention performer last season, was second on the team in total digs (218) and added 136 kills and strong serving. Faith Courtney (jr.) returns as a key contributor on the right side, bringing depth and balance with 85 kills, 33 aces, and 93 digs last season.
Eyes on the Prize
With talent, depth, and experience across the court, Cashmere is well-positioned to defend its SCAC title and make an even deeper push in the state playoffs. Early non-league matchups against 4A Eastmont and defending 1A state champions Chelan will provide tough challenges and serve as key measuring sticks for the postseason.
“We know we have a target on our backs this year,” said Coach Broadbent. “But this group isn’t backing down from that. They’re embracing it.”
If offseason work, returning talent, and team chemistry are any indication, the 2025 Cashmere Bulldogs may be ready to add more hardware to the trophy case—and just maybe, take a run at the program’s first-ever state title.
