Whitefish volleyball has a pretty incredible championship history — six state titles dating back to 1986, including five championships in just six seasons from 2001 through 2006.

In this episode of Flathead Valley Sports Haven, I’m joined by three people who played a huge role in that championship era: Jackie Fuller, Lucy McFadden and Colleen Sullivan.

With Whitefish getting ready to celebrate its volleyball history and bring together all six state championship teams, we take a look back at how that era came together, what made those teams so successful, the players and moments they still remember, and what that legacy means to Whitefish volleyball today.

It’s a conversation about championships, coaching, relationships, and the people who helped build one of the most successful volleyball programs in Montana.

Today's guest is Addy Connelly, Head Coach of the the Whitefish High School Volleyball team. Coach Connelly has been a fixture in the Flathead Valley Volleyball scene for nearly two decades, with stops at both Columbia Falls and Whitefish.

She's led teams to the State Tournament, stepped away from coaching at the Varsity level, and eventually found her way back to the sideline in Whitefish. Now. she's preparing for another season with the Bulldogs, while also being part of a pretty special celebration of Whitefish Volleyball history coming up this season.

This is the Flathead Sports Haven, where I highlight current and former Flathead Valley athletes, coaches, and sports figures, celebrating the people and stories that make our local sports community special.

Flathead Sports Haven is powered by Logan Health.

Today's guest is Cody Hill, a Whitefish High School graduate, former athlete, and co-owner of X-Seed Chiropractic.

Cody's journey has taken him from growing up and competing in Whitefish to earning his doctorate in chiropractic before returning home to open a practice alongside his wife. Today we'll talk about his time as a student-athlete, how sports shaped his career path, and what it means to come back home and serve the community that raised him.

This is the Flathead Valley Sports Haven, a segment where I highlight current and former Flathead Valley athletes, coaches and sports figures, celebrating the best athletics our Valley has to offer.

The Flathead Valley Sports Haven is powered by Logan Health.

Today's guest is Payson Scribner, a 14-year-old sprinter from Columbia Falls who has earned a spot at the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in California.

At just 14 years old, Payson has earned the opportunity to compete against some of the best young track athletes in the country. Athletes don't simply sign up for this event-they have to quilify through championship meets and earn their place on the national stage.

Today, we'll talk about growing up in the Flathead Valley, discovering track, the people who have helped her along the way and her journey to one of the biggest competitions of her young career.

Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dillon Botner. Botner is a Whitefish High School alum and former University of Montana football player, where he played offensive line for the Grizzlies and became one of the program’s top academic standouts, earning multiple degrees and national academic honors along the way.

He’s represented the Flathead Valley on one of the biggest stages, and in this conversation we talk about growing up in the Valley, his high school sports journey, his time with the Griz, and what it means to come from this area and carry it with him through both football and academics.

Today's guest is Austin Andrachick, a former Columbia Falls athlete and Flathead Valley Baseball player. We talk growing up int eh Valley, high school sports, his baseball journey and what it means to come from this area.

Today's guest is Willie Roche.

Willie is a lifelong Whitefish native, going to high school here and has become a fixture in the community.

Willie is the Head Coach of the Whitefish Boys Track Team.

Today’s guest is Joni Petro. Joni is a coach and leader in girls lacrosse here in the Flathead Valley. She joins me to talk about growing the game from the ground up, developing young athletes, and building opportunities for girls in a rapidly expanding sport. From youth programs to high school competition, this episode dives into what it takes to create something that lasts.

You can find more here: https://www.nwavalanchelax.com/home

And here: https://www.northwestlax.com/

In today's episode of the Flathead Valley Sports Haven I had the honor of sitting down with Patrick O'Connell. 

O'Connell fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Seahawks is a Glacier Graduate and Montana Legend.

He's one of 5 players from the Flathead Valley to make it to the NFL.

Hear his journey now!