By Chris Parker

Fall 2019 Preview: Glendale Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Glendale volleyball will look to bounce back from back-to-back eight-win seasons under the leadership of new head coach Iceley Perry.

Perry served as an assistant coach at Glendale from 2011-16 and as the head coach of the eighth grade team at Pershing Middle School from 2011-18. Several of her former players from her Pershing days will be playing for her at Glendale.

“Volleyball has been my passion throughout my life, whether I was playing or coaching. I have enjoyed coaching volleyball at all levels. I felt like this would be a great opportunity for me to build and create a new environment for Glendale Volleyball. I want to be able to share and teach my passion of volleyball to others. It was also a great opportunity to be able to coach and work with some of my former players again,” Perry said.

The Lady Falcons graduated four all-conference seniors off last year’s squad, but do return second-team all-conference selection Isabelle Winters this season. Winters was an across the board contributor last year finishing second in serve-receives (309) and third in kills (91) and digs (254).

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“Isabelle is a great all-around player. She is a great leader off and on the court. She always plays her heart out and never gives up. Isabelle is a very versatile and smart player and her experience will be helpful on the court,” Perry said. “Her experience on the court will be extremely beneficial as she leads the team this year.”

Winters will be joined by middle hitting classmates Jayden Sanford and Tori Flowers. Sanford returns after missing last season due to injury.

The junior quartet of Bella Blackwell (libero), Megan Liston (outside/middle hitter), Tyler Keiny (outside hitter/defensive specialist) and Aleah Najafi (right side) will also provide key contributions.

The offense will be orchestrated by a pair of sophomore setters/right side hitters in Arden Below and Bri Winters.

“Arden and Bri will provide a solid offense for us on the setting end of things. They are both extremely aggressive and are willing to make the adjustments to provide a great set for our hitters. They will be a very big threat on the hitting side of things, with both of them being left handed,” Perry said.

Glendale will be a versatile squad that is still learning to battle at the varsity level.

“Some of our strengths would be our team is very versatile. Each girl can play multiple positions and this can be extremely helpful when adjusting lineups,” Perry said. “We will need to learn to fight hard at every point of the game and not give up. If we can fight through the whole game and play to the best of our ability, we are going to be very successful.”

Perry is ready to open a new chapter in Glendale volleyball history this year.

“This will be a fresh start for the future of Glendale Volleyball. We are excited to build and improve the program, leading to a successful season. We are looking forward to being competitive this year and improving each game,” Perry said.

Glendale will travel to Ozark on Aug. 26 for a jamboree with the host Lady Tigers, Nixa and Carl Junction. The Lady Falcons open the season on Aug. 30 at Waynesville.