Galbreath Coach of the Year, again

RITZVILLE – In her 12th season as head volleyball coach for the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos, Cari Galbreath led her team to the Class 2B state tournament for the fourth time.

This year, the team finished second in state.

For the second consecutive year, she was also named Coach of the Year for the Northeast 2B league.

Last December, as the 2022 season drew to a close, Coach Galbreath was optimistic.

In an interview with The Journal, she expressed excitement about the team's prospects.

"We have a lot of underclassmen who are progressing and doing some really good things," she said. "We have a lot of potential."

This year's victories at the state championship confirmed her optimism.

The Broncos ended the regular season better than expected, recovering from a loss at the district championship to the Colfax Bulldogs.

According to Galbreath, the team also had a fluke loss to Davenport - in part because Zoe Galbreath, one of the team's strongest players, had a scheduling conflict and couldn't play.

"We couldn't let that loss become a setback," Coach Galbreath said. "Fortunately, this team was mentally mature. We were able to move forward."

What led to this year's overall success?

"Our girls were a balanced team. They played well together and complimented each other," she said. "As the season progressed, that balance grew stronger."

"Throughout the season, we played many games that weren't super competitive," she said.

But in mid-October at the Liberty tournament in Spangle, the Broncos faced off against Manson, Colfax and Oakesdale.

"All three teams gave us competition," Galbreath said. "Manson's hitters put heat on the ball and they're really fast. They're a smooth machine."

Oakesdale would later win the state 1B volleyball tournament; its seventh title in the last eight years, and Manson would be later be crowed the state 2B champion.

On to State

At the two-day state tournament in the Yakima Valley SunDome on Nov. 8 and 9, Galbreath was pleased with the layout of the brackets.

"We were on one side; Manson was on the other," she said.

Manson was a formidable foe, according to Galbreath.

"They have seasoned players who play a lot of sand volleyball and club volleyball," she said.

During the regular season, Galbreath encouraged the girls to set achievable goals.

"Our first goal was to be the top in the district," she said. "Once we achieved that goal, we won a crossover game that was both nerve wracking and exciting. That win allowed us to compete at the state tournament."

The team then set a new goal: finishing higher than last year, when they were fifth in state.

"I encouraged them to shoot for the Top 4 slots at the tournament," she said.

At state, the team worked to stay focused on the current match. Early in the tournament, the Broncos played Cory Whitmore's team from Coupeville.

As many locals will recall, Cory is the son of Ritzville High's former athletic director, Greg Whitmore.

"I knew our game with Coupeville would be a competitive matchup because Cory is a good coach and he's working hard to build that program," Galbreath said.

The Broncos swept Coupeville, 3-0.

Their next match was against a very familiar foe – the Northeast 2B league rival Liberty Lancers.

"Because of ongoing rivalries, Liberty is always an emotional game for us," she said. "They have good athletes and were playing really well by the end of the season. But our girls 'took care of business' and we were able to beat them."

The Broncos swept the Lancers, 3-0, as well.

Adna and Rainier played in the court next to the Broncos during the Liberty matchup.

"A lot of our fans were watching that game as well," Galbreath said. "The winner of that game was going to play the winner of our game. As it turned out, Rainier won and took out the No. 1 team."

When the Broncos beat Rainier the following morning, the girls were excited by their third 3-0 sweep.

"It seemed surreal," Galbreath said. "It was a sweet moment for them."

That victory put the Broncos in the state title championship match.

Championship match

"Everything happened so fast that last day. Even after the final match, I think it hadn't really sunk in," she said. "Closing out a great season is emotional, regardless of the ultimate outcome. It's bittersweet.

"The WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) made that final match a spectacle."

Lights were dimmed, fog machines turned on, glow sticks were waved by enthusiastic parents.

"Going into the championship match, we knew that Manson had a strong team," Galbreath said.

They had finished third in state last year and had also improved.

"It was one of our toughest matches. Manson is a well-oiled machine," Galbreath said. "They don't break down. They have an offense that we don't see often - if at all."

Manson swept the Broncos, 3-0, for the title; the Broncos finished second.

"I wish we could play more teams like that, so we could be better prepared for that level of competition," Galbreath said. "Although we lost that final match, our girls had a phenomenal season. It was successful, fun and rewarding."

What are her thoughts on being awarded Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year?

"I appreciate the honor from other coaches," she said. "There are some really good coaches out there and I learn from them."

Looking ahead

What are the team's prospects for next season?

"We should have good numbers, but everyone needs to keep working," she said. "A good season requires work in the off season and continual development of our game.

"Also, we're losing our only senior, Megan Melcher, who played volleyball every year of high school," she said. "She's been a reliable force defensively and a consistent force offensively. She's also been a great leader for this team.

Megan Melcher was named to the All-League First Team this season.

"Losing her will hurt. But I hope others will take on leadership roles and work to replace some of Megan's skills and knowledge."

With only one graduating player, Galbreath will return a seasoned team next season.

That team will include three players who were recognized with All-League honors.

Sophomore Zoe Galbreath was named Co-Most Valuable Player in the league, an honor she shared with Colfax senior Lauryn York.

Sophomore Saige Galbreath was an All-League First Team honoree.

And Bronco Junior Addy Colbert was awarded a spot on the All-League Second Team.