Eighth-grade Girls Make Noise For Lady Wolves
The spotlight of Wolf Point High School’s sports scene wasn’t too much to handle for four eighth-grade girls this year. Between them, AnnaLeigh Matejovsky, McKinlee Paulson, McKenzie Rodenberg and Maia Kent made positive marks in volleyball, flag football, basketball, wrestling, golf, track and tennis.
“They were all really good,” said Coach Cody Larson, who worked with the majority of the girls in flag football, volleyball and basketball. He said it’s great that eighth-graders can now benefit high school programs. “Especially when you’re not getting the numbers of players that you used to.”
Although the girls were able to succeed on their courts, it wasn’t without making some adjustments to playing at a higher level.
“High school sports are more competitive than junior high,” said Rodenberg, who enjoyed success in volleyball and tennis for the Wolves. “You’re expected to give more and more is anticipated.”
Paulson added, “Practices were harder.” Her sports were volleyball, basketball, golf and tennis.
Matejovsky has been active in wrestling, volleyball, flag football and track. She said moving up to play with the older girls was a little intimidating at first. “It was really scary,” she said. “They aren’t that scary anymore.”
Major accomplishments have included Matejovsky winning a state wrestling championship and Kent qualifying for the state golf meet.
Matejovsky said one of her goals going into the season was to not be upset with herself when things didn’t go well. “I needed to realize that I’m only an eighth-grader,” she said. “I have four years left.”
She felt that making it to the state wrestling meet was realistic, but she didn’t expect to come away with a state title.
Kent said this was her first year of competitive golf. She started playing the sport just a year ago.
“I was a little surprised,” Kent said of qualifying for the state golf tournament.
Paulson was busy this spring as she competed in both golf and tennis. “They both are OK.”
Rodenberg and Paulson enjoyed being on the same tennis team, but it didn’t go very well the one time they played doubles together didn’t. “Our connection wasn’t there,” Paulson said. They look forward to playing together again in the future.
Matejovsky and Paulson both have the benefit of their parents serving as coaches.
“It helps because they want me to become the best that I can be,” Paulson said. “They are always pushing me.”
The girls all agree that volleyball is their favorite sport. They have been on the same team together since the seventh grade.
“I do better in wrestling, but volleyball is more fun and we are together,” Matejovsky said. They are each 4.0 grade point average students. They agree that their favorite classes are math and history. Their favorite teacher is Abigail Traeholt.
The girls’ goals for next school year include getting better in all sports and to keep a positive attitude.
