Decorah Viking Girls Basketball team volunteer in community

Front row, from left: Kalea Oftedahl, Ambria Pipho, Alea Lutkenhaus, Skyler Malone, Lindsey McEnaney, Kyla Quandahl, Kayla Quandahl, Abby Hudson, Lizzy Hartman. Back row from left: Head coach Shannon Quandahl, Shaina Bakken, Kaitlyn Schnitzler, Amanda Kuehner, Katherine Bruening, Audrey Casterton, Katie Nimrod, Leah Weis, Coach Catherine Thompson, Nia Whitsitt, Allie Hafner, Madison McEnaney, Augusta Casterton, Isabel Iverson and Coach Brittney Robinsons.

In addition to routine practices and games, the Decorah High School Lady Viking Basketball team provides community service projects on Saturdays throughout the season.

"As coaches, we feel it's part of our responsibility to not only fine tune the athletic skills of our team, but also help them build character, commitment, accountability and responsibility to themselves, their team and their community," says head coach Shannon Quandahl. "We're hoping that we can inspire our community to come out to enjoy watching us play and support us this season as well."

This past Saturday the team surprised local homeowners by clearing their yards of leaves. Gary Mineart's house is near the school and he says, "I was surprised and pleased and I tell you, I'm ready to be a supporter for this team. What a great group of kids."

"We work hard together and have fun together," says Coach Quandahl. "It was a great day to be outside and do something for our community, and our project sort of sets the stage for Friday's game when we'll turn over a new leaf, start a new season and hopefully come away with a victory."

The Lady Vikes kick off the season with a home game this Friday, November 18 against Edgewood-Colesburg, where you'll also find a bin they created to collect free will donations for area food pantries.  

Coach Quandahl says, "They'll practice Saturday morning following the game and then enjoy a team breakfast before they deliver the donations to the pantry for needy families this holiday season."