By Chris Parker
Willow Springs volleyball will have a new look on the court with just two players returning from last season’s 10-win team.
Those two players are senior Lily Bolander (middle) and junior Aspen Crudgington (outside hitter).
Bolander earned all-district and honorable mention all-conference honors last year. She was second on the team in kills with 143 and digs with 241.
“I am expecting big things from her again this year,” Willow Springs head coach Christina Collins said. “She plays all six rotations on the court as a middle. She has taken the weight room serious this summer and has increased her max squat by 20 pounds and bench by 10 pounds. This has improved her all-around game. Her hitting is harder, and she is quicker defensively. With experience and growth Lily has learned how to be a more strategic player offensive. Defensively, she is very solid and knows how to cover the floor exceptional well.”
Crudgington was third on the team in kills with 110 on her way to all-district honors last season. She will play all six rotations.
“Aspen is very quiet but powerful for our team,” Collins said. “Aspen is our go-to player when the game is on the line. She can make big plays for the team without hesitation. Defensively, she can read players very well which helps her stay a step ahead of the passing game. Being able to read players like she does helps keep her passing consistent throughout the game.”
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Collins is looking to former junior varsity players and freshmen to fill out the varsity lineup. That group of new players to watch includes: Sharon Stevenson (senior), Katlyn Brixey (junior), Emma Wiles (sophomore), Aleisha Shanks (sophomore), Karson Gilbert (sophomore), Zoey Holmes-Fox (sophomore) and Pasiley Crudgington (freshman).
Collins on Stevenson: “Sharon Stevenson will have big shoes to fill with being our new libero. She has never played libero before but has transitioned very well. I never have to worry about her going for the ball or not because she always gives 110% every play. Sharon is our team comedian and keeps the team moral relaxed.”
Collins on Brixey: “Katlyn Brixey will be our main setter this year. She had a little varsity time last year but not as a setter. She has worked hard on her jump setting this summer since she is on the shorter side, with her hard work and chemistry of her hitters they are going to be very powerful at the net. Katlyn is always pushing herself to get better and try harder because she touches the ball a lot for our team. Katlyn is a key link for our offense to run smoothly while getting the ball to the correct position. When the team is tested, she keeps the players motivated and focused.”
Collins on Wiles: “She has never had any varsity experience and has stepped up exceptionally. Emma will be our other setter sharing the responsibility of our team symmetry. Emma is our quiet player that keeps the peace and calm of our team. Every team needs to have that one person that keeps the team grounded. Emma has the willingness to take advice and learn from it.”
Collins on Shanks: “Aleisha Shanks is a player that I can put in any position, and she can execute the position. She will probably move around from game to game depending on the team we play and how important different position will be. Her main position will be outside hitter. Aleisha has such a powerful swing this year that we will utilize her as a hitter as much as possible. She is very smart with the ball and know when to swing, push, or tip in the open area. Aleisha engages herself to touch the ball every play.”
Collins on Gilbert: “Karson Gilbert is our other middle with no prior varsity experience. She has worked very hard to improve her front row this year. With every game she plays she gains valuable experience, and it improves her game. Karson will be expected to step-up and fill a big role for the team.”
Collins on Holmes-Fox: “Zoey Holmes-Fox is our all-around player. Zoey doesn’t have a certain position on the floor because she fills every spot. She never questions the position I have her fill in a game. She fills the spot of a sitter, middle, or outside hitter. Zoeys hitting is has really improved over the summer. When Zoey is on the floor, she does her job and does it well.”
Collins on Crudgington: “Pasiley Crudgington will be an incoming freshman and will start varsity. She will play outside hitter/setter for the team. She has added a new dimension to the team with height and her hitting ability. Pasiley has a lot of growth and experience to learn as a freshman on the varsity team, but she has a very bright future with big things to come.”
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The team will have a new makeup this year, but playing together won’t be a problem.
“Chemistry can make or break a team no matter how good a team is, if they can’t get along or play together on the court it will be a long season. This team has a bond that I have never coached before. They all know each other very well and enjoy playing together,” Collins said. “They are a very good team, but they lack confidence. I have seen a lot of growth and gain confidence this summer as they continue to keep work and getting better as a team.”
Willow Springs will travel to Houston on Aug. 25 for a jamboree at 5:30 pm with the host Tigers and Cabool. The Lady Bears open the regular season on Aug. 30 at Hillcrest.
“My expectations are high this year for these girls,” Collins said. “This team could have a good season if they continue grow and while continuing to build as a team.”
