By Chris Parker
Camdenton volleyball won 17 matches last season with a team that featured just three seniors. The experience gained last season and, in the off-season, should pay dividends this season.
“Our returners have put in a solid offseason,” Camdenton head coach Austin Walker said. “While we still have room for growth in many areas, the biggest growth we have seen already is in our defense. We have worked on being scrappy and doing whatever it takes to keep the ball off the floor. We spent our spring hours working on basic ball control skills as that is a key piece in being successful.”
Kenzie Swanson earned first-team all-conference honors last season after she finished second on the team in kills with 170 kills.
“Kenzie has worked hard to make herself as successful as she has been. She has worked on being an offensive threat and has worked a lot on finding ways to score points. She has played a lot of volleyball and her IQ of the game has also grown,” Walker said. “As one of our middles; we will expect her to be a big threat and find ways to score for us. She will also be a big presence at the net for us blocking.”
Bella Breuer led the team in kills with 246 on her way to second-team all-conference honors.
“Bella is a great athlete. She plays high level volleyball outside of our school season so that pushes her to be better. She has gained confidence and brought that back to our group and brings a sense of calm for us,” Walker said. “I have seen a big difference in her level of confidence. She is taking great cuts at the ball and her knowledge of the game allows her to be successful in knowing when to tip or where to swing.”
Bella Asante was an immediate impact player as a freshman with 722 assists last season. She earned honorable mention all-conference honors.
“Bella did not play like a true freshman last year. She embraced the role she was given and played with no fear of failing. She is a worker. She wanted everyone around her to be successful,” Walker said. “With Bella’s experience, we will be able to push things at a quicker pace than normal. Our hitters know her tendencies and they will mesh better together going into season.”
Caitlin Garmany (senior libero), Lexi Dickerson (senior outside), Madison Daniels (junior setter), Lily Hulett (junior outside) and Kiley Bentley (junior defensive specialist) all return after seeing varying levels of action on the varsity level last season.
Walker on Garmany: “Caitlin is a worker. She is a competitive player who talks constantly to those around her. We notice when she is not on the floor. She reacts well and has really worked at being a leader and her serve receive game. She has spent a lot of time working on ball control this off season.”
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Walker on Dickerson: “Lexi has worn many hats over her Laker volleyball career. She has set, played some middle during a time of injury and has transitioned to the outside. She is a powerful hitter that has a fast arm swing. She has worked on being an offensive weapon and is a leader by example.”
Walker on Daniels: “Madison is a kid who will do whatever you ask of her. She will step in and be a part of our 6-2 offense this year. She has worked hard on improving her game defensively and not a lot of balls get down on her.”
Walker on Hulett: “Lily is a versatile player who I expect big things out of. She has gained confidence as a hitter and is taking big swings at the ball. She is a solid blocker who will set a great block on the left side for our middles. She has some potential to play six rotations as the season progresses.”
Walker on Bentley: “Kiley will primarily be a defensive player for us this season in left back. She reads hitters well and is quick on her feet. She has spent a lot of time working on her serve receive game. I’m really looking forward to seeing her gain more confidence as we go.”
Maggie Johnson (senior right side), Carley Kupfer (senior defensive specialist), Taylor Fleming (senior right side) and Mia McGuire (junior middle hitter/right side) will step up to the varsity level this season.
Walker on Johnson: “Maggie is the one player that I’ve seen a huge improvement in her confidence and the game overall. She had a goal to be on the floor this year, so she spent a lot of time making sure there was no doubt. She is a big presence at the net for us blocking.”
Walker on Kupfer: “Carley works hard to keep us in a lot of plays on defense. She is scrapping and is always willing to do whatever she asked to do and makes the most of her opportunities on the court.”
Walker on Fleming: “Taylor could see some time at a number of different positions this year for our team. She plays good defense and can even step in and set a ball if we need her to.”
Walker on McGuire: “Mia is a natural athlete who will challenge others for a spot on the court. She can impact our team in multiple different positions and has a fast arm swing that can terminate a ball. We look for her to find her way on the court at some point in the season.”
The newcomers combined with the deep group of returning players will be a strength.
“One of our biggest strengths this year will be in our depth and the maturity of our team as we return quite a few players from last year’s squad,” Walker said. “This group of girls had great team chemistry and are willing to put in the work.”
Camdenton will host a jamboree on Aug. 22 with Marshfield, Jefferson City and Smith-Cotton. The Lady Lakers open the regular season Aug. 28 at Helias Catholic.
“I am excited when we can put all the pieces together and prove to ourselves that we can compete with everyone,” Walker said. “I hold the girls to the expectation that they control the controllables yet are willing to take a risk to build confidence. We want to be able to leave the court knowing we gave everything we had.”
