Maureen Kaiser has a penchant for promptness. But the St. Henry District High School volleyball coach was unable to ramp up to the preseason practice schedule in a timely manner this year. The Crusaders lost one of their biggest supporters when Kaiser’s father, Dan Shea, passed away July 23 at the age of 85.
“It’s been an emotional time,” Kaiser said. “My dad was a big part of the Crusader family. He was our biggest fan when we won the 2021 state championship.”
A friend to many and a coach for a lucky lot, Mr. Shea was not only a devoted husband to wife Rosemary for 59 years and a supportive father and grandfather, but also St. Henry volleyball star Elizabeth Tabeling’s neighbor.
“Just really sad. I was torn up,” Tabeling said. “I was super close with him. He lived just a few houses away from me. I can stand in a room and look out a window and see his house.”
It’s a room with a view to a lot of memories for Tabeling, who can’t imagine her neighborhood without the Newport Central Catholic High School sports hall of famer saying hello. Tabeling can’t imagine a St. Henry home volleyball match without Shea cheering them on to victory, which happened a lot last year.
The Crusaders finished 25-8 with a 13-2 record against 9th Region competition and an unblemished 6-0 mark as 34th District champions. They advanced to the regional tournament semifinals before bowing out against Notre Dame Academy.
The goal this season is retake the region, return to the state final for the third time under Kaiser and capture the crown for the second time in three years. Defending state champion Notre Dame is in the way. Mr. Shea and his family are on the Crusaders’ minds.
“Dad had so much fun watching us win state, he wanted to see us win another one,” Kaiser said. “The girls are reminding me we have unfinished business because my dad didn’t get to see us win state again.”
Every year, the Crusaders come up with a new slogan or a key word to help motivate them. They recently used the word, “Family.” They have used the word, “Thrive.” Last season, they recounted favorite Bible verses.
“We always have something to motivate us each year,” Kaiser said. “The girls usually come up with something good.”
Tabeling said everything usually comes naturally for the team. She figures something will come to them over time, with a state championship to follow. Tabeling is a stabling force for the Crusaders. Coach Kaiser calls the senior “my go-to girl” when tough times call for tender measures.
“She’s our sweeper and all the girls look up to her,” Kaiser said. “And we have a lot of girls who are good players.”
Tabeling and senior teammates Anna Guard, Alivia Skidmore and Macy Lentz are four of the best in the state.
Tabeling, who led the team last season in digs and service aces, has committed to Ball State. The volleyball doesn’t hit the court without Tabeling hitting the floor. Kaiser said she has an almost supernatural ability to read the opposing team’s offense.
Guard, a middle hitter who was second in kills, is heading to Eastern Michigan.
“Anna is a beast at the net with regard to blocks,” Kaiser said. “She throws the shot put and discus for the track team, so she is powerful and strong.”
Skidmore, who can hit from anywhere, is going to Western Kentucky. The team’s kill leader, she’s an all-around talent and a powerful offensive player who also can finesse the action.
“She is smooth,” Kaiser said of Skidmore. “She’s one of the best players ever at St. Henry.”
Lentz, a setter who led the Crusaders in assists, is the team’s quarterback. Two other seniors, Audrey Leonhard and Mia Ryan, are key cogs.
“Not only are they good players but these girls really know each other, which is great to have on a volleyball team,” Kaiser said.
Tabeling, Skidmore and Lentz play together year around as Crusaders and as members of the same club team. It’s one of the many reasons why the Crusaders like to call themselves a family.
