RAPID CITY — Chester’s Lily Van Hal closed out an impressive high school volleyball career with yet another state championship.

The 5-foot-8 setter/right side has played at the varsity level for the past six seasons, making Nov. 22's state championship an emotional ending no matter the final score.

“I’m still trying to soak it all in, I have all the emotions as a senior here,” Van Hal said. “I knew I was going to have tears no matter what, but obviously it’s both happy and sad tears.”

And Van Hal hasn’t just been along for the ride, she’s played a pivotal role in Chester’s success, including the last three state championship seasons for the Lady Flyers.

“She truly is the heart and soul of this team and aside from being a great volleyball player, she is such a great kid,” said Chester head coach Jean O’Hara.

Action between Herreid/Selby Area and Chester during a Class B quarterfinal match on Thursday at Summit Arena during the state volleyball tournament in Rapid City. (Matt Gade / 605 Sports)

In nearly 600 sets played, Van Hal has amassed a school record 3,258 assists with 1,656 digs, 1,583 kills and 484 aces. Coach O’Hara added her leadership within the program has played a big part in the Lady Flyers recent success.

“She puts in countless hours perfecting her craft, but she takes people with her,” O’Hara said. “She achieves at a high level, but she wants to make sure everybody else around her is just as driven and determined to get to that level as she is. You can’t teach that and so she is pretty special in that regard.”

On top of three banner seasons, Van Hal has helped the Lady Flyers earn fifth, third and second place finishes at the Class B state tournament, earning all-tournament team honors for the past five seasons.

“I’ll remember all the highs and lows,” Van Hal said of her high school career. “Some of the lows, I haven’t always been in the finals. I think that’s shaped me to who I am today.”

During this state tournament run, Van Hal posted 36 kills, 49 assists, 29 digs and five blocks in three straight sweeps over Herreid/Selby Area, Bennett County and Warner.

Between Van Hal and junior outside hitter/setter Jacy Wolf, the Flyers had a dynamic duo commanding the offense.

“We just trust each other so much and we know that we can go to each other and we can get a point if we need it.

“She’s a big part of this program and we definitely cannot replace her but I was just happy she was my setter,” Wolf said of Van Hal.

Chester's Lily Van Hal goes for a kill during Chester's 3-0 sweep over Bennett County in the Class B semifinals at the state volleyball tournament in Rapid City. (Matt Gade / 605 Sports)

“I’m super proud of her,” Van Hal said of Wolf, a four-time all-tournament team selection. “Every year we’re kind of the duo and this year we’ve kind of focused on pushing the pace with each other, making those blockers really get to us because at some point teams are going to prepare. They’re going to put a double block on you but when you move speeds, it’s going to shut them down.”

Between the championships, accolades, shattering records, and even getting to play with her younger sister, Elise, Chester Lady Flyer volleyball has meant a lot to Van Hal.

“I wish I could put that into words,” Van Hal said. “It’s so special, I’m not really sure it really has hit me yet, but it means everything.”

As for her next chapter, Van Hal will play Division I volleyball for the University of Denver. Van Hal will enroll this January after making her decision during her junior year.

“I originally talked to the coaches and their coach is a little younger than coach O’Hara but she had the same mentality that coach O’Hara did and had similar qualities and I knew that’s what I wanted,” Van Hal said.

And O’Hara is grateful for Van Hal’s dedication and commitment to the Chester volleyball program. 

“I’m sure glad she is a Lady Flyer,” O’Hara said.