By Chris Parker
Galena volleyball won 23 matches in 2021, which was the first time over 20 wins for the program since winning 22 and a district title in 2009.
Many of the key players from that team return this year. Seven total players who saw varsity action return. Six of them played in all 100 sets in 2021.
Junior middle/outside hitter Kaesha Walter is at the head of the returning group of players. She led the team with 277 kills and 75 blocks on her way to first-team all-conference honors.
“Kaesha has been a starter on the varsity team since her freshman year,” Galena head coach Joe Miller said. “Kaesha will be our go-to player on offense this season.”
Senior libero and defensive specialist Taylor Jones earned second-team all-conference and first-team all-district honors in 2021. She led Galena with 575 digs and 514 serve receptions as a junior.
“Taylor will be our defensive leader this season,” Miller said.
Marissa Harris (senior middle hitter/right side) rounds out the senior class.
“Marissa has made significant progress the past few seasons and we look forward to her strong presence at the net in her final season,” Miller said.
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Junior Bree Rice will see more action at setter this year while also playing right side.
“Bree will be entering her third season on the varsity team this season,” Miller said. “Bree has been an outside hitter the past two seasons but will be transitioning into the setter position this season.”
The sophomore trio of Averi Foster (setter), Baylee Stacy (defensive specialist) and Maribelle Martin (middle hitter) also return after playing varsity as freshmen.
Foster will be new to setting at the varsity level this year.
“Averi was also an outside hitter last season but is transitioning to the setting position this season,” Miller said. “This will be her second season playing on the varsity squad.”
Stacy will be a versatile player for Galena.
“Baylee excelled last season as a defensive player but has improved her game on the front row as an outside hitter,” Miller said. “We plan on using her in multiple positions this season.”
Martin only played in 29 sets last year due to injury.
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“Maribelle missed most of last season due to injuries but we expect great things from her as a blocker and hitter this season,” Miller said.
Freshman Melanie Rice will look to make an immediate varsity impact at outside and middle hitter.
“Mel brings a lot of athletic ability to the varsity team and we expect great things from her as a hitter and blocker this season,” Miller said.
The offense will be strong for Galena, but developing new setters will be key to the success of Galena.
“Offensively we should be able to match up well with anyone on our schedule this season. We serve really well, and we have one of the best hitters in the conference in Kaesha Walter,” Miller said. “With two new setters it will take some time to establish that setter-hitter connection that we had last season.”
Galena will host a jamboree on Aug. 25 before opening the regular season on Aug. 27 at the Verona Tournament.
