By Chris Parker
Haley Beazley enters her second season as head coach of the West Plains volleyball program ready to continue the growth of the Zizzer program.
“Last year was a growing season for us,” Beazley said. “I learned a lot of things, but I think the biggest takeaways for me are finding the lesson in every situation and learning that there can never be too much communication.”
The Zizzers finished 7-22-1 overall last year.
“We are going to keep working hard and keep building confidence this year. A main focus is relationship building on and off the court,” Beazley said.
Senior MacKenzie Brunson is one of the top returning players at outside hitter. She led the Zizzers in both kills and digs last year.
“MacKenzie is a great all-around player. She is extremely athletic and has great court awareness. She can mix up her shots and she is also a key part of our defense,” Beazley said.
Classmates Hayden Ellett (libero) and Myah Mayfield (outside hitter) give West Plains two more seniors that played almost every set last year to lean on.
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“Myah is a go-to hitter on the outside and she is versatile. She has had to play middle some and does well there too,” Beazley said. “Ashton stepped into a 5-1 setter role last year mid-season. She has gained confidence and makes great decisions running our offense. She can get to any ball and is a great addition to our weapons on the front row.”
Senior Karlea Galloway and junior Savannah Smart both saw time last year on varsity and will have expanded roles this year. Sophomore Mia Thomas and Kennedy Bergman will also step up the varsity.
“I expect for us to win more games this year and keep learning and growing together,” Beazley said. “We have improved in all aspects of the game and have a lot of returning varsity players. We are playing better together and I’m excited to see what this season brings.”
West Plains will open the season on Sept. 1 at Mountain Home (Ark.).
