Fall 2019 Preview: Wheaton Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Wheaton volleyball had a strong 18-win season last year that ended with a district semifinal loss to Hurley.

The Lady Bulldogs were hit hard by graduation losing all four of their all-conference selections including Ozark 7 Player of the Year Hallie Mitchell.

“This season feels a lot like two years ago when we lost three all-region players and an all-state player. People were asking how we were going to compete without that group. This class stepped up and won a conference championship the very next season. I expect this current group to continue the legacy of working hard to achieve their goals and representing our school and community in a first class manner,” Wheaton head coach Robert Creekmore said.

Wheaton lost a strong group of seniors, but another deep group of seniors are ready to take their place. Emily Gonzalez and Allie Reed are both returning starters at setter and middle, respectively. Gonzalez had 326 assists, 93 digs and 16 kills last year. Reed chipped in 80 kills, 35 digs, 34 blocks and 17 aces in 2018.

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Junior Madison Pierpont will step into the libero role where she will have a vital leadership role.

Creekmore must replace four starters from last season’s team. Seniors Calista Burns, Zoie Simpson, Nene Nunez, Taylyn Banks, Tha Par, and Sarah Brattin will all be competing for time at the outside hitter and opposite positions.

Sophomore Monica Hinojosa will be a key contributor in the middle.

“Introducing new players into the starting lineup is always something that is key to maintaining the momentum from the previous season,” Creekmore said. “This is a great group of seniors and I know they will rise to the challenge. We have developed a culture of success over the past few years and I know they want to put their own mark on our program.”

The Lady Bulldogs have not relaxed expectations one bit this season.

“Every year during our individual meetings we talk about goals. Winning a conference championship is always one of the things that is on our radar. The Ozark 7 Conference is wide open and we feel we are in the mix of those top teams. I think any team is looking to improve their record from the previous season, so we are looking at that 20-win plateau as a goal as well,” Creekmore said.

Wheaton opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Chadwick.