By Chris Parker
Hasin Leonard enters her second season as head coach of the Hollister volleyball program with a fresh perspective.
“In my first year as head coach I learned a lot about the art that is coaching. I don’t think I ever gave enough credit to coaches before,” Leonard said. “However, the lesson that has impacted me the most is how important it is to build relationships with your players.”
Hollister finished 11-15-2 overall last year. The Lady Tigers must replace three seniors which included both of their all-conference selections.
Emily Young (senior outside hitter) will be a key leader this year. She led Hollister with 189 serve receptions and 185 digs last year. Young also had 67 kills and 25 aces.
“Emily is an extremely talented athlete. She’s also a spectacular student and above all else a phenomenal human being,” Leonard said. “I can always count on Emily to do anything I ask her to do. She’s the hardest working athlete I’ve ever personally worked with and I cannot wait to coach her in her senior year.”
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Sophomore Olivia Williams will also provide leadership from her setter position.
“Olivia is going to be a shock to everyone who watched her last season as a freshman. She asked at the end of the season what she could do to secure a setting position for varsity and she did every single thing we asked. I watched her transform into a totally different athlete in the off season. I’m very excited to see what she adds to our dynamic,” Leonard said.
Emma Cronin (senior middle) and Kylie Escobar (sophomore outside hitter) return to the Lady Tigers.
The freshman trio of Paige Hurley (middle), Emma Canote (setter) and Izzy Parrish (outside hitter) should all make immediate impacts on the varsity level.
Senior Jackie Pyatt returns for her senior year after taking time off for an injury. She will play in the middle. Madison Land is a senior transfer from Nixa that will be in the lineup. Senior cheerleader Kynzie Burns will play volleyball for the first time this year.
Hollister will be a close-knit team this year.
“This team is so resilient. Last year we really focused on building a family atmosphere and theme for our program. So this year I feel that the bonds we’ve created and trust the girls have created will go a long way. We may not be the tallest team but my girls will work their hardest and never give up,” Leonard said.
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Adjusting to the varsity game will be key for many of Hollister’s new players.
“We lost most of our varsity last year so we will have a new six on the floor. We are going to have to work really hard to build that flow amongst them. Having such a young setter is always a gamble too. We have a-lot of work to do on the front row before we see game ready but I know we will put that time in and be ready to rock,” Leonard said.
Hollister will travel to Springfield Central for a jamboree on Aug. 25. The Lady Tigers open the regular season on Sept. 2 at Spokane.
“I am always going to be expectant to be better than we were the last year,” Leonard said. “There is a lot of talent on our team and I am hopeful that they will put in the time to create relationships of trust and really be able to show that talent off on the court.”
