Cheering This Fall for Red Devil Volleyball

September 2025

Article by Jamie Blotske | Photos courtesy of Huntley Project

Iona Stookey is no stranger to small-town school spirit, currently in her 36th year teaching and coaching in the neighboring community of Huntley Project. “I love every minute of it. To say I am proud to be a Red Devil is an understatement. I love it where I am at and I couldn't imagine teaching or coaching anywhere else,” she proudly stated.

There is truly something special about small-town communities. When compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities, life in a small town tends to be slower, more relaxed, with a strong sense of community and a pride in its close-knit nature. Neighbors know, support, and look out for one another. People in small towns are also more likely to participate in local events and activities, including high school sports.

“Three words I would use to describe Huntley Project’s school spirit: Caring, Enthusiastic, and Loyal,” Coach Stookey said. People show up and show out big for their favorite Red Devil athletes! “Huntley Project volleyball fans are the best fans around,” she continued. “They understand the game, they show up and cheer loudly for all our teams. Volleyball is something that is very fun at Huntley Project, and a lot of girls are involved.”

Huntley Project volleyball has been wildly successful over the past two decades, winning multiple state championships. Coach Stookey and her girls have claimed four consecutive state titles, heading into the 2025 season. When asked how previous seasons, as state champions, will carry into the upcoming season, she responded, “I think each year is different, with a different group of girls, and a different kind of motivation. Winning a state title is extremely difficult, and it is definitely a group effort which includes players, managers, assistant coaches, administration, and support from the community.”

“Each year when volleyball starts, we take the players and try to mold them into the best student athletes/volleyball players they can be,” she explained. “I have been very fortunate at Huntley and have had great girls/athletes to work with, and this fall it will be no different! They are amazing young ladies who know it will take a lot of hard work and effort this year and will need to come into practice with that motivation,” she stated, as Class B volleyball is expected to have some of the best teams in the state this fall.

The 2025 Red Devil volleyball team will return nine letterwinners, five of whom are seniors. “They will help lead us this fall. They each bring something unique to the team, and it will be fun to watch them grow over the season, not only as seniors, but as leaders of our team and representatives of our school community,” Coach Stookey boasted of her returning players.

For Coach Stookey, “The goal is to work hard at practice, never ever overlook anybody, take one match at a time, and keep improving.” Sounds like a recipe for success!

As a new volleyball season approaches, Coach Stookey, the assistant coaches, the Huntley Project administration, and of course, the student athletes will rely heavily on support from the community. When Friday nights in the fall roll around, teachers become coaches, residents become cheerleaders, and the gymnasium becomes a second home. That is the true essence of a tight-knit community and the pride it holds so proudly. Whether you are a Huntley Project local or not, make it a point to attend a match this fall. Coach Stookey and the girls would love to see you in the stands as they write the next chapter of Red Devil volleyball.

Originally printed in the September 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Jamie Blotske

Jamie Blotske and husband, Chet, have three small children and happily call Billings their home. She is extremely passionate about the great outdoors. She is a graduate of MSU-Billings with a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. Her family is currently in pursuit of hiking in all 50 states, and you can follow along on the family blog (thebackpackingblotskes.com) or Instagram (@thebackpackingblotskes). 

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