About Millers Volleyball
The Washburn Millers Volleyball program strives to develop great athletes and even greater people through instruction, guidance and encouragement in order to compete at the highest levels of play while gaining important life skills that will be utilized regularly as adults.
Along with the support from our players' families, friends and the neighboring community, we provide a high level of instruction in a safe space that fosters both personal growth and team cohesiveness. Just as it "takes a village" to raise a child, it takes a cooperative effort from our teachers, administrators and school staff to help promote a positive environment that's conducive to reaching great heights.
Here are just a few of the people that provide critical support to our Millers Volleyball program throughout the season:
Integral Partners
Athletic Director
GIOVAN "JENKS"
JENKINS
The 2021-22 school year was the first year Coach Jenkins helmed the athletics department at Washburn HS, but his initial experience with the school was as a student (a 1996 graduate).
After graduating from Minnesota State University - Mankato, he came back to Washburn in an administrative role and was also a football coach for the Millers (head coach in 2010).
With firsthand knowledge and experience as a coach, "Jenks" understands the needs of our sports programs, and he has a great vision for all of Washburn Athletics.
He works tirelessly all year long (yes, even in the summer, running the Washburn Athletic Leadership Academy) to ensure all Washburn sports programs have the necessary equipment and support to have successful seasons.
Assistant Athletic Director
SOFIA
JENKINS
Sofia joins Washburn Athletics for the 2023 - 2024 school year as the new assistant athletic director, taking over from now-retired "Ms. Lilly," a longtime fixture at Washburn HS.
Sofia has an AA in Social and Behavioral Science, and is currently earning her Bachelors Degree from St. Kate's. While she works to support Washburn athletics, she also splits her time as a Special Education Assistant at Justice Page School.
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Having grown up in Minneapolis, and spending so much time at Washburn over the years, Sofia has hit the ground running in her new role. She is taking control of the various systems and processes that are critical to a well-run athletics department, and is eager to help our student-athletes succeed.
TRIA Athletic Trainer
SAM
DAHLE
Sam began supporting the Washburn sports programs during the 2021-2022 school year, and we are excited to see him in his role as the school's athletic trainer year after year.
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While we never wish for an athlete to suffer an injury during practice or competition, we know that Sam can handle the many potential situations that may arise during the various sports seasons.
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Sam performs assessments on our student-athletes for both mind (concussion protocol) and body (tweaks, sprains, strains, etc.) and is often seen on the sidelines of our various sports' games and matches.
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He's also responsible for ensuring our Emergency Action Plans are up-to-date and that our coaches understand their roles in the event of an emergency situation.
Librarian, Yearbook Adviser, Photog
Counselor, Equipment Manager
Engineers
JOHN
MCCREARY
Mr. McCreary is our go-to resource for help with the Archives section of this website and has been a constant presence on the sideline with his camera at home matches over the last few years. He has been instrumental in providing team pics from past years' Wahians (Washburn High Annuals, aka, yearbooks), and we're looking forward to seeing more shots from him of our current and future teams!
HERB
CROWELL
As a school counselor, Mr. Crowell helps guide students through myriad academic, personal, college/career and social situations.
As the sports equipment manager, he keeps track of uniforms and equipment inventory for all Washburn athletic programs.
ENGINEERING
STAFF
Our engineers keep our gym tidy and safe for practices and competitions, and ensure the restrooms are clean and well-stocked for our players, coaches, visiting teams and all of our spectators. They prepare the gym for home matches by retracting the basketball hoops and extending the bleachers. Our engineers also help with clean-up at the end of the night and we appreciate the work they do!
Washburn Millers Volleyball Boosters
Kris Woelber Sara Stenzel Tony Johnson
Sara Stenzel is leading our boosters club this season and collaborating with both individuals and organizations to help raise funds, order team gear, and ensure everyone in the program is aware of upcoming events. Sara has held many different roles as a member of the boosters over multiple years, and as this is her final year, Kris Woelber will be shadowing Sara this season as she learns the role to be able to hit the ground running next year!
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Tony Johnson is new to our boosters this year and brings great energy to his role as volunteer coordinator. He's working tirelessly to convince our volleyball parents to sign up and help officiate our home matches (yes, there are still open slots for this season). Please show your pride and commitment to Washburn Girls' Volleyball by helping our home matches run smoothly (there are tutorials on this site to show you how to perform the various roles).
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Eric Bretl is our treasurer and is responsible for keeping track of the funds that come in and where they go to. Raised funds go toward notable expenses like coaches' pay, team practice shirts, and the end-of-season banquet (facility rental, food, awards, decorations, etc.), along with many other things.
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A special thanks to Karen Strand for hosting our newest fundraiser this season, the Miller Mixer, where our Washburn volleyball adults (21+ only) were able to come together for a night of mingling with others from our program's community to enjoy some drinks and games and buy raffle tickets for some great prizes.
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We have many other volunteers within our program - no role is too small! We thank you all for your help and dedication to ensuring each season is a huge success for everyone!
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Honorable Mention: Our Editor
TALK TO US
201 West 49th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55419