WAUKEE, Iowa — Every day, the Waukee volleyball team enters the gym with a reminder of their goal.

“We have a goal, we have it written down on a board, everyday they’re writing words that mean something to them to help them get to where they want to be,” said Head Coach Candice Palea.

That reminder is a poster board with the words ‘State Champs’ written in the center. Surrounding those words, words to remember how they can get there, such as grit, determination, and focus, among many others.

Each season, the Warriors have been taking another step towards making this goal a reality. Now, they’re 14-2, ranked second in the state, and proving to be one of the major contenders in 5A. It’s a journey that started with a text.

“Three years ago, I remember talking to Maggie and some of the seniors now and telling them, you guys should go to state,” said Palea. “You guys should go watch. Even though we’re not there, you should watch. it’s inspiring to be there, and it’s an environment you want to be in. I remember after that texting one of them and they said ‘We are going to be here.’”

Last year, the Warriors made their first trip to state since 2019. This year, they’re looking for even more. While their roster is full of talented players, it’s their friendships off the floor that this team feels is the difference.

“It’s really importance because team culture can make or break a team, so we really emphasize having good team culture by hanging out at team dinners, before practice at people’s houses, stuff like that,” said Malia Rogers, a junior outside hitter.

“A lot of people say we love watching Waukee volleyball, and it’s not necessarily because we’re the best team out there, but it’s because we have fun when we play, we pick up everything, and we celebrate,” added Lia Davis, a junior setter.

“I think you just feel really supported, and you can feel your teammates get excited when you have success,” said Maggie Craig, a senior outside hitter and team captain. “Your teammates are happy when you’re doing great, and also there for you when you’re not doing great.”

Palea, who was a standout volleyball player at UNI, has been on the job in Waukee for six seasons. In the past several years, she’s seen her team slowly but surely climb the ranks in 5A. As they now sit among the best, she hopes to lead her team to their ultimate goal.

“I think the last four years have been amazing, with all the kids that have come through this program the past four years,” said Palea. “They all have seen where Waukee was, and they all have this goal to get us back to where we want to be, and they’ve worked at it every day.”