In the world of high school sports, few players possess the combination of leadership, skill, and unwavering determination like Hermantown senior Claire Kaups. Her remarkable journey during the 2024 volleyball season not only captured the attention of her teammates and fans but also earned her the prestigious title of Duluth News Tribune All-Area Volleyball Player of the Year. Known for her calm demeanor, powerful performances, and ability to rise to the occasion, Kaups was the rock upon which Hermantown’s volleyball team relied all season long.
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A Season of Growth and Leadership
The 2024 Hermantown volleyball season began with high expectations, but those expectations were not solely based on talent. While the team had the athletic prowess necessary to make a deep postseason run, it was the leadership and unity that defined their campaign. Kaups, alongside her fellow captains Hope Kohanski and Gabi Arntson, helped create a culture of support, camaraderie, and mental strength within the team.
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Kaups’ leadership was not just a result of her on-court skills but also the intangible qualities she brought to the team. Recognizing that mental toughness is crucial to succeeding in high-stress moments, the three captains organized weekly meetings called Mindset Monday and Wellness Wednesday. These sessions were designed to help their teammates manage pressure, build mental resilience, and create a positive team atmosphere. The significance of these efforts became apparent during their playoff run, where the importance of staying calm under pressure was paramount.
The team’s biggest test came during the Section 7AAA championship match against North Branch, a game that carried the weight of a state tournament berth. The match was filled with intensity and high emotions, but the Hermantown squad found a way to release the pressure in an unexpected and lighthearted way: by dancing. As Arntson recalls, “We talked about how in a moment of panic, having a dance party or a mental break or just trying to switch up the energy is important.” This playful approach helped calm the nerves of the players, allowing them to focus on their game.
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When the match turned into a tense battle, it was Claire Kaups who delivered one of her most memorable performances. With everything on the line, Kaups posted a rare triple-double, registering 18 kills, 23 assists, and 35 digs, leading her team to a four-set victory. Her all-around performance was not just a statistical achievement but a symbol of her leadership and clutch play when it mattered most.
The Numbers Behind the Leader
The success of the 2024 Hermantown volleyball team was built on a foundation of consistency and skill, both of which Kaups personified throughout the season. In her final year with the Hawks, Kaups led the Lake Superior Conference in kills with 267 (averaging 3.1 kills per set) and digs with 376. These numbers alone speak to her versatility and ability to impact the game on both sides of the net.
However, statistics only tell part of the story. Kaups was not just about putting up big numbers; she was a player who could be counted on in the most crucial moments. Her coach, Jess Williams, noted that whenever the team needed a momentum change, Kaups was the one to provide it, whether it was with a timely kill, a strategic assist, or a game-changing defensive play. “When we needed a momentum change, big game or small game, Claire was our gal,” said Williams. This ability to perform under pressure was a hallmark of Kaups’ high school career and a key reason why she was able to lead Hermantown to its first state tournament appearance since 2016.
A Bond Built on Friendship
What made the 2024 Hermantown team so special wasn’t just the individual talents of its players but the deep friendships that formed between them. Kaups frequently emphasized the importance of chemistry and trust among her teammates, and it was clear that these qualities translated into their success on the court. The bond they shared was forged long before the season began, during an offseason camp at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where Kaups and the other two captains, Arntson and Kohanski, worked hard to lay the foundation for the season ahead.
“We were so good at supporting each other… Just the fact that we were all best friends gave us so much chemistry on the court,” said Kaups. This bond became evident as the season unfolded. After a strong start that saw the Hawks win 11 straight matches, the team hit a few bumps along the way, including losses to tough opponents like Rush City and Minnetonka. However, the team’s unity and belief in one another kept them focused on their ultimate goal. Kaups and her teammates never lost sight of their collective vision, and this resilience was a driving force in their ability to overcome adversity.
The State Tournament: A Dream Come True
For Kaups and the rest of the team, the pinnacle of the 2024 season came when they traveled to the state tournament at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, marking the first time since 2016 that Hermantown volleyball had reached the state stage. Kaups reflected on the experience with a mix of awe and gratitude. “Playing in the X was the highlight of my volleyball career,” she said. The atmosphere of the arena was unlike anything she had ever experienced, and despite the nerves, Kaups and her teammates relished the opportunity to play at such a high level.
The team’s state tournament run was a dream come true, but it was also a reminder of the challenges that come with facing top-tier competition. In their first game against Delano, Hermantown fought valiantly but fell short. They then faced Mahtomedi in the consolation bracket, where they again came up just short, marking the end of their season. For Kaups, the loss was bittersweet, but she also understood the significance of the journey they had been on.
“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” Kaups said. “It was so fulfilling and I felt like it was the perfect way to end my high school volleyball career.”
While the season ended in disappointment, Kaups’ impact on the Hermantown program will be felt for years to come. Her leadership, both on and off the court, was instrumental in the team’s success, and her legacy as one of the area’s top players is firmly cemented.
The Future of Claire Kaups
As one of the best volleyball players in the area, Claire Kaups has no plans of stepping away from the sport she loves. Although her high school career is over, Kaups is looking toward the next chapter of her volleyball journey. She plans to continue playing at the collegiate level and has been in discussions with various programs, although she remains uncommitted as of now. Wherever she goes, one thing is clear: Claire Kaups will continue to be a force in the volleyball world.
For now, Kaups can reflect on an unforgettable high school career filled with accomplishments, leadership, and memories that will last a lifetime. As the 2024 Duluth News Tribune All-Area Volleyball Player of the Year, she leaves a legacy that will inspire future generations of volleyball players in Hermantown and beyond.
