Fall 2019 Preview: Sarcoxie Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Sarcoxie volleyball has a new head coach in Addison Berry this season. It is Berry’s first head coaching job.

“I was drawn to the Sarcoxie Volleyball Program because it provided an opportunity to gain valuable experience working under a seasoned head coach in a program that had some good success in recent years. There were opportunities to join other school districts and programs, but Sarcoxie felt like the best fit for me,” Berry said.

Sarcoxie has been one of the area’s most consistent teams over the past three years with three consecutive district titles. Last year, the Lady Bears finished 22-11-2 overall. Berry will look to keep that success rolling after graduating a senior class that included four all-conference selections including Southwest Conference Player of the Year and Class 2 All-State selection Chelsea Evans.

“Sarcoxie has had a lot of success recently, and they have graduated many good players. This year’s squad will feature a core group of young players who have limited experience at the varsity level. Our players will need to develop both their skill as well as their understanding of the game,” Berry said.

The sophomore trio of Myra Caddick (setter), McKenna Bass (outside hitter) and Brooklyn Carr (libero) all return after seeing varsity time last year. Bass was fourth on the team with 88 kills last year.

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New faces to the varsity lineup will be: juniors Kyann Ogle (middle hitter), Carley Chaneller (middle hitter), Jessica Hinkle (outside hitter) and Chloe Lee (setter) along with sophomores Kyezer Straw (defensive specialist) and Jacy Roth (right side hitter).

Berry likes what she has seen from her players in the early going.

“Some good qualities I have seen are they are hungry to learn, willing to work on those skills we are attempting to teach, and have shown a desire to work hard and compete,” Berry said.

There are several areas that Sarcoxie will need to improve to be successful this season.

“I feel there are three primary areas where we need to improve to be successful,” Berry said. “Ball control is essential to our ability to play in system. While we have improved this summer, there is still room to get better. Efficient transitions, both offensively and defensively, will allow us to be in the right spot on the floor and will maximize our ability to put pressure on the opponent. Last, we need to play smart volleyball and minimize our errors.”

Overall, Sarcoxie will be a work-in-progress early in the year as the Lady Bears try blend new players with a new coach.

“I expect that we go out and compete and play hard every time we step on the court. Ultimately, we need to improve each week throughout the season so that the girls are playing their best volleyball when district play rolls around,” Berry said.

Sarcoxie will travel to Marionville on Aug. 27 for a jamboree with the host Lady Comets, East Newton and Fordland. The Lady Bears will travel to McAuley Catholic on Sept. 3 to open the regular season.