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39 Years Of Excellence: Dave Scher Leads Another Lady Popes Season

As another fall volleyball season approaches at Pius XI High School, one constant remains on the sidelines: Coach Dave Scher. Entering his 39th season leading the Lady Popes, Scher has built one of Wisconsin's premier volleyball programs, capturing nine state championships while leaving a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the scoreboard.

While championships have become synonymous with Scher's career, his focus entering this season is on the group in front of him. Led by four seniors, the Lady Popes bring experience, enthusiasm, and a contagious energy that has their longtime coach excited for what lies ahead.

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"We have great senior leadership with four seniors on the team," Scher said. "This team has great enthusiasm, and with such great leadership, I'm looking forward to coaching them."

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That leadership will be the foundation for a team that prides itself on effort and consistency. Scher believes the Lady Popes have the talent to compete in every aspect of the game, but it's their relentless energy that will separate them.

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"We are going to hang our hats on great defense," Scher said. "We have great hitters and passers as well. Their energy level is what will carry us through the season more than anything else."

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For nearly four decades, Scher has experienced the highest highs a coach can imagine, from state championships to unforgettable comeback victories. Yet when asked what continues to motivate him after 39 seasons, his answer has little to do with trophies.

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"What continues to drive me after 39 years is the relationships I have built," Scher said. "Being able to communicate with players who played for me 20 and 30 years ago. Being able to look back on the season and see if I made relationships with the players and to make sure they were able to develop relationships with each other as well."

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Those relationships define Scher's legacy. While he fondly remembers dramatic moments—like a sectional championship comeback against DSHA after trailing two sets to none—it's the people who have made the greatest impact.

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"I could talk about my favorite memories for at least an hour," Scher said. "Some that stick out for me are all the relationships built. I've been to so many weddings, unfortunately funerals as well. As far as tangible things, I remember a sectional championship against DSHA when we were down two sets. More than anything else though, it's about the people. It's about the kids. I have old players come up to me all the time in public, and we talk about moments in practice or in games, it’s truly special."

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As the Lady Popes prepare to begin another season, Scher hopes the Pius community will pack the stands and experience the excitement firsthand.

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"I want to share with the fans that they should come watch us play," Scher said. "I think we will be entertaining and put on a good show for the Pius faithful."

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With experienced leadership, a defense-first mentality, and the guidance of one of Wisconsin's most accomplished coaches, the Lady Popes are ready to begin another chapter in a program built on excellence, relationships, and a tradition that continues to inspire generation after generation.

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Coach Scher identifies two distinct characteristics of all his great teams: mental toughness and team chemistry, qualities that have become hallmarks of the Pius XI volleyball program. Currently assisted by former player Jenny Leszczynski '04, Coach Scher continues to build on the program's tradition with the current roster featuring talented student-athletes like seniors Amaya Sprewer, Kate Lange, Jayda Kelly, Karina Contreras, Hope Martens, Georgia Acompanado, and Imani Stockbauer. The team regularly competes at the highest levels of Wisconsin high school volleyball, including recent playoff appearances and strong regional performances, demonstrating that the program's commitment to excellence remains as strong as ever under Scher's continued guidance.

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2024 Season Information:

• Parent Meeting: TBD

• Tryouts: Varsity | Monday, August 19th
  JVFrosh | Monday, August 19th
  All tryouts are in the Pius XI Fieldhouse. Times may vary after the first day.

• Head Coach: Dave Scher (dscher@piusxi.org)

• Assistant Coach: Jenny Leszczynski

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