Since taking over the reins of the Cowgirl volleyball program in 2013, Katrina TerHark has taken the program to heights not seen in some time. Consider this. Under her watch, they have 166 wins over that time, with two state appearances including this year making it to the 2A semifinals. They have played in three regional finals over that time, and won a conference title by themselves and have a shared conference title. However, she is by no means willing to take all the credit for those accomplishments.
“I was very humbled to learn I had won this,” said TerHark. “I think this award is a team effort. A lot of our success is due to retention in our coaching staff. We have been very fortunate to have coaches who’ve had a successful high school career themselves, or have come from successful programs, including C-G-D alum’s. They have continued to learn more about the game and were driven athletes themselves.”
Even though the state trips have been great for the program, she feels the conference success is the most gratifying accomplishment. “We tied for the title a year ago, then won it outright this year,” said TerHark. “Prior to that, I would have to say 2016 when we beat rated Forest City and then played Dike-New Hartford in the regional final and lost to the Wolverines. We were outmatched that year, but I think that was the start to building a successful program.”
At that point, which became the turning point, the coaches and returning players were able to not only study the multi-time state champ Wolverines and how they approached the tournament matches but now knew what it would take for them to get to that level themselves. “I would say the athletes bought into the program, and the girls trusted the coaching staff to move them through the process to get them there and help them be even more successful. We are also fortunate to have such great kids to work with here.” While she does acknowledge havig great student-athletes over the years, she also feels they’ve all had one thing in common. “They are worried about the team first and not about any individual stats or accolades,” she said.
TerHark’s approach to every new season is just that, meaning it’s a whole new season. “What happened the previous season was then,” said the coach. “We focus on what we have, where we are and how we are going to get where we need to be. There are always changes, like this year moving up a class, which can have a great impact.” In regards to that approach, she realizes that expectations will be high for next year with everyone back. “I think the girls are ready for that,” said TerHark. “They also know that we take it one match at a time. I think having high expectations will motivate them to work harder, but we aren’t going to lose sight of who we are in the process. I think we had high expectations this year, but we also surpassed a lot of those expectations.”
She has a number of people she wishes to thank. “When you have success like this it truly does take an army,” said TerHark. “The amount of support and willingness of the athletes, parents, teachers and administrators to help out where needed has been amazing. I need to thank my husband Steve and Jarek as they do support everything I do, and thanks to the coaching staff and the girls. We truly are a volleyball family and these girls know we would all do anything for each other. We’ve spent a lot of time together and we are creating life-long memories not only from volleyball but life, and that is what makes all of this so fun.”
Well said coach, and I thank you and the girls also for giving me so many great memories. All of you have done so well, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter in the Cowgirl Volleyball book will take us. It has truly been a fun ride so far! Coach TerHark was asked what she will look back on that she is most proud of when her time at the helm of the program is over. “I would have to say the relationships with the girls, and as a coaching staff we hope to develop in them good work habits, confidence, leadership and good life-long skills they can use later in life.”
