Pella Christian figures to be a stronger club this fall – in the most literal sense of the word. That’s because the Lady Eagles spent much of the offseason in the weight room, something implemented by new head coach Cindy Nikkel.

Nikkel says strength and conditioning was a big part of the volleyball program when he assisted at Central College, and says those relationships have helped her carry that aspect into her new role at Pella Christian.

“The girls in our program have never lifted before, so this is the first year that they’re lifting; we’re conditioning – doing a lot of jumping, agility drills, sprint work,” says Nikkel. “I feel like that’s been a big competitive advantage to have been at Central at have those relationships built.”

It won’t be long before Pella Christian gets to demonstrate the benefits of their hard work, as the Lady Eagles open the regular season on Tuesday at Johnston High School.