By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The past three seasons have been nothing short of spectacular for Nixa Volleyball.
With at least 30 victories in each season, the Eagles captured a Class 5 state championship and state runner-up finish prior to last season’s 31-5 campaign, which ended in the quarterfinal round at the hands of Columbia Rock Bridge.
Entering her ninth year at Nixa, head coach Annie Zimmerman appreciates the small details necessary for success both on and off the court.
“I’m extremely proud of the 2021 season,” head coach Annie Zimmerman said. “While I wish the outcome of our last game vs Rock Bridge could have been different, it was an honor to coach that team. They had great chemistry, competitive drive and made it fun to be in the gym with them everyday.”
Nixa’s extremely talented graduating class included Allie Billmyer, Jaycee Fixsen (Missouri State University), Sydney Golden (University of Northern Iowa, Jena Medearis (Purdue Fort Wayne University and Addison Tauai (Drury University).
Fixsen and Golden each received all-state honors.
“This senior class was the most diverse by position I have coached,” Zimmerman said. “They had a setter, middle, two outside hitters and a defensive player. What makes them even more special was their approach to practice. They loved it and embraced being challenged. Obviously we will miss their athletic contributions, but I will miss the fun we had with each other as a team the most.”
While it’s no easy task replacing a slew of collegiate-level athletes at any program, Nixa does benefit from returning depth.
A trio of talented seniors will lead the Eagle attack this season in Norah Clark, Emma Conrad and Hillary Estes.
Clark, an outside hittter/right side, recorded 137 kills, 22 blocks and 70 digs last season.
“This will be Norah’s third year playing with our varsity team,” Zimmerman said. “She brings size and athleticism to our front row and will likely move to the left pin. We will rely on her to be a hitter that can consistently score points in our offense.”
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Conrad, a libero, posted 21 aces, 92 assists and 419 digs in 2021.
“This will be Emma’s third year playing the libero position for our varsity team,” Zimmerman said. “She has excellent ball control and the ability to read hitters effectively. We will rely on her to lead our serve receive and back row defense.”
Estes, a middle hitter, finished the season with 139 kills, 46 blocks and 41 digs.
“This will be Hillary’s second year playing middle hitter for our varsity team,” Zimmerman said. “She recorded 46 blocks (second on team) and a .334 hitting percentage (second on team) last season. If we can keep her involved as a consistent offensive option, good things will happen for our team.”
With a host of departed seniors in the rotation, Zimmerman will turn to a group of varsity newcomers to step in and fill roles for the team.
Sidney Ayers (SR, RS), Christena Berry (SR, RS), Ashlyn Billmyer (SR, DS), Jacy Bray (JR, S), Hayden Meyer (JR, DS), Ava Owens (JR, MH/RS), Chloe Burke (SO, OH/MH), Hadley Casias (SO, DS) and Amelia White (SO, OH) will all compete for varsity minutes this season.
With so many new faces in the rotation, Zimmerman expects an adjustment period early in the season as players become comfortable with new roles and varsity competition.
“Returning only three players from our varsity team last year, it will take time to determine player roles and there will undoubtedly be some growing pains,” Zimmerman said. “However, if our players will embrace the competitive environment we create in our gym each day I think we have the ability to do some pretty special things.”
Nixa has enjoyed a long tradition of deep and talented rosters capable of running an offense that can score from a variety of spots on the floor.
Zimmerman believes this season will be no different.
“Our goal will be to run the most balanced offense possible,” Zimmerman said. “Multiple hitters on the front row that can score so opponents cannot key on just one or two players.
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Bray will step into the role of primary setter for the team and dictate Nixa’s attack.
“Jacy Bray has been leading our offense at the JV level the last two seasons,” Zimmerman said. “She is quick, dynamic and has the ability to run a fast tempo offense. She also has the ability to be an offensive threat.”
For the relatively inexperienced Eagles to continue the recent trend of postseason success, early season challenges must first be addressed as the team looks to build an identity.
Zimmerman believes that identity will likely be a work in progress early on in the schedule.
“We will be trying lots of different options early and hope to be settled into an established rotation by mid-season,” Zimmerman said.
Following an Aug. 23 home jamboree with Carl Junction, Kickapoo and Ozark, Nixa opens its season Sep. 1 at home against Columbia Rock Bridge in a rematch of last year’s Class 5 quarterfinal.
