By Chris Parker
Liberty volleyball won its ninth district title in 12 years on the way to a 25-win season last year. The Eagles have won at least 20 matches per year since at least 2009.
Four seniors, including all-state selections Peyton Bush and Aspen Smotherman, graduated off that team.
“I feel like our seniors always leave some type of legacy. That group was special. So much varsity experience between the four during their careers. Great kids and role models. We will surely miss them but love to see them succeeding in the real world,” Liberty head coach Shari Tune said.
CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SEASON SCHEDULE
The cupboard is far from bare for Tune with three all-conference selections returning.
Lexi Shumpert earned first-team all-conference honors in her junior season after she put down 255 kills and distributed 463 assists. She will be a setter and go-to hitter this season after she gets back to full strength.
“Lexi is coming off an ACL tear, so she is working her way back up. She has a lot of grit and drive so we know she will get back to where she needs to be,” Tune said.
Bre Daniels, who will play middle, had 177 kills as a freshman on her way to second-team all-conference honors.
“Bre’s potential is so high, depending on her mentality allowing her to reach that will be her biggest obstacle. She can take over a match very easily for us but she has to find that confidence and leadership role to do so,” Tune said.
Kenzie Daniels was an honorable mention all-conference selection as a sophomore. She will move to the outside this year and be a key hitter and blocker.
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
APPLE – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
ANDROID – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
“Kenzie is just a fun kid. She is always happy (and) can be very blunt but holds her teammate accountable,” Tune said.
Senior Kenna Woolsey (setter/outside hitter) and Lyla Cornman (setter/outside hitter) also return to the lineup. Woolsey only saw time in 35 sets last year. Cornman was the team’s top setter with 554 assists as a sophomore.
“(Woolsey) is probably the most vocal player I have ever coached. She will be huge behind the ten-foot line for us,” Tune said. “(Cornman) is probably the strongest player I have ever coached. If we can get her timing and consistency down, she could be very intimidating.”
Three other defensive players in seniors Shelby Acklin and Ciayah Allen along with junior Abbi Orchard will all be in the mix for varsity sets.
“They are all battling now. It’s fun to watch but they also love each other. I’m excited to see how their intensity pushes each other to see some court time,” Tune said. “I have a few sophomores knocking on the door which I love too. They will be pushing these girls above and can easily step in or take over a role when needed.”
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS
Senior transfer Caitlyn McNew along with freshmen Korie Lind, Bryleigh Wallace and Kaylie Wagner will push for time on the varsity level.
“I think our biggest strength will be our depth and balance. No spot is given, it’s earned. On any given night we can throw someone else in there to be productive. Also, we have a new assistant and her intensity she brings will be fun,” Tune said.
The depth of this team comes in handy as Missouri enters the second season of playing a best-of-five set format for games.
“I love the five sets as a coach and former player. I’m not a fan as wife and mom with a family at home. Luckily I’m blessed with a great supportive family. As a team it gives us so much more time to get better,” Tune said. “Being a collegiate player, I feel I already have been conditioning them for a five-game match. However, getting them the adequate rest is what I struggle with most. It’s hard at the high school level in such a short season.”
Liberty opens the season on Aug. 30 at home against Licking.
