Blue Pony volleyball has a new leader

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News [email protected]

The resignation of longtime Havre High volleyball coach Bill Huebsch as the HHS girls volleyball coach left a big hole for the Blue Ponies to fill. Huebsch left his longtime and successful position at HHS to take over the vacant head volleyball job at Montana State University-Northern back in the winter. But as of Monday, it looks as if the right person has come along for the job. Melanie Walker will enter the 2009 season as the new Blue Ponies' varsity volleyball coach. And already, Walker is excited for what lies ahead. “I know I have big shoes to fill from Bill Huebsch,” Walker said. “I am confident he has already built a strong program and I am honored to have this position. I keep hearing that we have unbelievable hitters and that they are a hard working team and really good group. I am looking forward to meeting them.” And though Walker grew up in southern California playing beach volleyball, she is no stranger to Havre volleyball. She played for the Montana State University- Northern volleyball program from 2002-2005 and even took on the role as the assistant coach after fulfilling her collegiate eligibility in 2006. And after coaching the Big Sandy Pioneers varsity volleyball team a year ago, Walker is taking the next step in her coaching career as the new Havre High head volleyball coach. “I loved it (Big Sandy). The girls were awesome and it was a lot of fun, I love doing it," Walker said. "And I know girls that have graduated from this program (Havre) and I know they are awesome people. It's a good program and it's a good community to coach in.” Walker has a lot of respect for what Huebsch has previously done for HHS volleyball. And the shape the program is in as she takes over should make for an easier transition. There are no major changes that need to be addressed; only the revisiting of the fundamentals to get the girls back in the swing of things. As pre season practices approach, Walker really just has plans to work with ball handling, footwork and rotation. “I just want to make sure that we are on the same page before we get into our actual practice in August,” Walker said. And while the HHS season doesn't begin until August, Walker will be busy preparing for her first season of Class A volleyball. HHS players plan on attending team camps this summer, and Walker will host the Blue Pony Volleyball Camp at HHS as well.