A Night to Remember: Whitefish Volleyball Honors Its History With 3-1 Win

Friday, September 18, 2026 at 10:23 AM

Whitefish Volleyball past and present. Photo © Brittany Havens.

The Whitefish Volleyball team was home, Thursday night, playing host to Ronan.

This wasn't just any normal night.

The story began in 1978, when Whitefish High School was required to add a winter sport for girls following a Title IX investigation. The girls of Whitefish High School were given a choice, and they voted volleyball over table tennis.

In 1979, Whitefish took the court for the first time, joining Ronan, Polson, Bigfork, and Kalispell as Montana’s first high school volleyball programs.

Coaching that historic first Whitefish team were Patti Patrick and Colleen Sullivan and coaching the Ronan team was Carey Swanberg.

Thursday honored and recognized the players who started it all.

The first State Championship in program history came in 1986. Then five more in the early 2000's: 01, 02, 04, 05 and 06.

Following all the introduction the current ladies took to the floor and made sure not to dissapoint. Whitefish would take the match 3 games to 1 in front of one of the biggest crowds they've ever seen.

It took the Dawgs a set to get going but after dropping that 1st Set, Whitefish showed out.

The Bulldogs won sets 2-4: 25-16, 25-17, 25-16.

According to Head Coach Addy Connelly:

"For the big reunion Whitefish had a slow start but then came out swinging each game was cleaner than the one before Annabelle Barrile played lights out and Abby Brooks hit the heck out of the ball Allie Shors led our offense and led us in aces . An all around great effort by all players tonight."