WHS duo: Best friends, better teammates

Wallace volleyball underwent a very apparent change in approach this season, a lot of stemming from their two best players.

Destiny Angle and Halei Ungerbuehler used some off-court chemistry (they’re totes besties) and parlayed that into a full season of solid volleyball for the Miners.

Angle and Ungerbuehler were recently named to the North Star League all league volleyball team.

The selections are made after the conclusion of the regular season by the coaches from each league team.

Both players played out their final year of eligibility and went out in the way that most players hope to, as the best players and leaders of their team.

But their paths to this point were slightly different.

Angle has been a force for the Miners for the last few years, but Ungerbuehler had to sit out here junior season of varsity and could only suit up for JVs due to her transferring from Mullan High School after her sophomore year.

“It was frustrating not being able to play on varsity last year,” Ungerbuehler said. “I knew I could have helped them, but I think this season was great and made it worth the wait.”

As mentioned, Angle had been a force in the program and was expected to be the player-leader that she was.

“Our season went really good I think,” Angle said. “We could have pushed a little harder at the end I think, But we had no drama, lots of cooperation, and we are all friends so getting along and playing together was easy.”

Ungerbuehler thought that with that off-court chemistry, came a much higher level of on-court chemistry.

“We worked super well with one another,” Ungerbuehler said. “And like Destiny said, that has a lot to do with how we were off the court.”

Both girls regard coach Anali Spooner as something of a mentor, friend, and the fun aunt everyone always wanted.

“Anali and I have worked together a lot during my volleyball career,” Angle said. “She’s always been there for me and the relationship we created is something that I’ll keep with me after I’m out of high school.”

Ungerbuehler has gotten familiar with the entire Spooner family after spending time in both Mullan and Wallace High Schools.

“I knew Mr. (Stetson) Spooner in Mullan, so I kind of knew of Anali,” Ungerbuehler said. “But after meeting her we instantly clicked and she became almost like an aunt or second mom to me.”

Both girls had the same season highlight, and who could blame them.

“Beating Kellogg on Dig Pink Night was awesome,” Angle said. “In front of their fans and student body.”

“It really boosted our confidence and we played really well down the stretch of our season,” Ungerbuehler said. “It was an awesome environment and was a lot of fun.”