In her first year leading East Helena High volleyball, Coach Shelby Holmes helped a young, inexperienced team develop into one of the conference’s most competitive squads— and make program history by qualifying for the Divisional Tournament.
“This season was one of tremendous growth and connection,” Holmes said. “We were a young team in a competitive conference, but our players rose to every challenge. From the first day of practice to our final match, the girls showed consistent improvement, trust in each other, and a belief in what we were building.”
What stood out to Holmes wasn’t just the wins, but the culture the team built along the way. Seniors like Rori Schoenfeld and Lauren Betz set the tone with strong leadership, while younger players stepped into crucial roles. “Everyone bought into their role and focused on our shared goals,” Holmes said. “Their growth — individually and collectively — made this one of East Helena’s best seasons yet.”
The 2025 campaign wasn’t without challenges. East Helena finished the regular season at 8-8, but the record alone didn’t capture the full story of the Vigilantes’ rise.
One of the most memorable moments came at Hardin, an away game that would go down in program lore. The Vigilantes fell two sets down, but the team refused to throw in the towel. East Helena mounted a reverse sweep, winning the next three sets and earning a five-set victory – setting the tone for the year.
“Our first win of the season, beating Hardin when we were away, was incredible,” said senior Lauren Betz, remembering the exhilaration.
Her coach recalled their resilience. “At Hardin, the away fans were barking and our girls showed so much mental toughness,” Holmes recalled. “We stepped up, played hard, and really clicked.”
The momentum continued with another five-set win over Lockwood, proving the Vigilantes could not only compete but prevail against teams they had struggled with in previous years. “Winning against Lockwood in five, the night after we beat Hardin in five, really proved to me how much our team improved,” Betz reflected.
Holmes credited the team’s success to more than skill; it was their chemistry and friendship. “The girls really clicked this year,” she said. “They hung out outside of practice and games. They seemed to really enjoy each other’s company.”
Betz and fellow senior Rori Schoenfeld embodied that leadership, on and off the court. Schoenfeld, a middle blocker, described the team as a family, saying, “There were ups and downs, but everyone had everybody’s back.” Betz added, “There was always the feeling that they had my back, even if I messed up. They would get so excited when I did good.”
Freshmen Caydee Cookson and Emma Taylor also played pivotal roles. Cookson, a starter in her first high school season, highlighted the support she received from older teammates. “Being a starting freshman can definitely be stressful, but I never had that experience because of my supportive teammates and coaches,” she said. Taylor agreed, noting, “They made me become a better player.”
Holmes also praised the leadership and energy of her captains and seniors. “Lauren brought humor and lightness when needed, Emma brought fire and competitiveness, and Rori was always calm, cool, and collected,” Holmes said. “Those qualities helped us remain composed and confident in tight moments.”
Several matches defined the season beyond Hardin. Even in losses, the Vigilantes learned valuable lessons. “Every game you learn something important,” Holmes said. “Our main goal was to get better every day and every game.”
Players also made notable individual strides. Sophomore Addelyn Mix tallied 15 kills against Havre and became a key offensive asset. Betz improved her passing accuracy and consistency as libero, while Schoenfeld gained confidence as a go-to middle blocker. Cookson and Taylor quickly adapted to the varsity level and displayed early leadership skills.
Despite the heartbreak of being one win away from state — falling short against Custer County in their final match of the season — the future looks bright for the Vigilantes. The 2026 squad will return all but two players, giving Holmes experience and depth to build upon.
“Our offseason focus will be toughness and building a competitive attitude,” Holmes said. “That heartbreak makes you hungry, and I hope our girls are ready to put in the work.”
Seniors also expressed optimism for the team’s future. Betz believed the Vigilantes could go to state in coming years. “I think this team will continue to grow and get better,” said Schoenfeld. “They will eventually play for that state title.”
Holmes sees the 2025 season as the start of a new era for East Helena volleyball. We’ve created a culture of accountability, confidence, and connection,” she said. “The foundation is set for something special.”
The players and coach credited East Helena’s fans, band, and community for their vital role supporting the team. “The amount of people that attended our games for the Divisional Tournament was outstanding,” Holmes said. Betz echoed that sentiment while also calling for more support for volleyball, especially during the overlapping football season.
For the players, the season was about more than wins. It was about being part of a team that believed in each other, worked hard, and grew together. “I am most proud of how we played as a team,” Betz said. “There wasn’t one person on the court that won games for us; it was everyone.”
The 2025 East Helena volleyball season will be remembered for the milestones, and for the heart, grit, and team spirit that drove those achievements. For Holmes and her team, it’s a foundation to build on — and a promise of greater things to come.