By Chris Parker
Aurora volleyball has a new head coach but a familiar name taking over in Monica McVey. McVey, a graduate of Aurora, has coached middle school and sub-varsity at the high school level for Aurora over the past 18 years in addition to club volleyball.
Taking over the head coaching position at her alma mater was a dream come true.
“I played for Aurora under head coach Stephanie Heman, who also gave me my first opportunity as a coach,” McVey said. “Being head coach for the Lady Houns has always been my dream job.”
She takes over a program looking for its first winning season since 2018.
Second-team all-conference selection Kymaran Darnall returns for Aurora to play six rotations hitting outside and playing left back.
“Kymaran has a huge reach. She can get up and put the ball away with ease,” McVey said. “She is a go-to hitter on the court. She also has a huge block. We expect her to run a quick offense and help create great plays.”
Alexa Cline (senior outside hitter), Jacey Lee (senior middle hitter), Kaylee Wilson (senior middle hitter), Jacey Willcock (senior setter), Janie Barnes (senior libero), Sydney Clifford (senior defensive specialist) and Kena Hall (junior setter/right side) also return for Aurora.
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McVey on Cline: “Alexa moves so well on the court. She has a powerful swing and huge vertical. She can get up and put the ball away.”
McVey on Lee & Wilson: “Both of these girls will work hard on the net. They are great communicators.”
McVey on Willcock: “J Will can create great plays when it’s her turn to play the ball. She’s always looking for ways to better the ball.”
McVey on Barnes: “Janie works hard to make great passes and back up her teammates. She is all over the court making plays and communicating with her team.”
McVey on Clifford: “Sydney will play left back for us this season. She moves well to put herself in a position to make a great play on the ball.”
McVey on Hall: “Kena is a four-sport athlete. She’s listed as one to watch for track, which she has had great success, but she’s a fierce competitor on the volleyball court as well. She will come out of nowhere and make big things happen on the court.”
Freshman right side Kylee Phelps could have an immediate varsity impact.
“Kylee is a great addition to have to the team,” McVey said. “She has the athletic ability to fill lots of roles on the team.”
Aurora volleyball will go as the seniors go this season.
“This group of seniors has played together since elementary,” McVey said. “They mesh well together on the court. I was their coach when they were eighth graders, so knowing each other and what our expectations are is definitely a strength.”
Aurora will travel to Carthage for a jamboree on Aug. 22 before opening the regular season on Aug. 29 at home against Lamar.
