KCSI Sports visited Stanton for a preseason conversation with Viking volleyball head coach John Mainquist and senior Hailey Joint. The interview took place early in the morning after a 5:30–5:45 a.m. practice, a schedule the program has used throughout the summer because of ongoing construction at the school.
The 2026 Stanton roster features 22 high school players, an increase from the previous season. The Viqueens lost only one senior to graduation and return a large group of players who gained significant varsity experience last year as a very young team. Seven freshmen have joined the program and bring added height that Coach Mainquist expects will help at the net.
The team’s motto, “With each other, for each other,” underscores a culture focused on effort, support, and long-term growth rather than solely the scoreboard. The Viqueens open the regular season Tuesday with a home quadrangular at the Viking Center and high school gym against Lenox, Mount Ayr, and Shenandoah. Action is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m., with every team playing three matches. The high school gym currently lacks air conditioning while the unit is being completed, though the Viking Center has cooling.
Coach Mainquist emphasized competition for roster spots, early challenges against larger schools, and a transformative rather than purely transactional approach to success. Senior Hailey Joint spoke about the added responsibility of senior leadership, the value of early-morning discipline, and her excitement for team growth this season.
