By Chris Parker
Sparta volleyball posted its first winning record since 2014 going 20-10-2 last season.
This year, Sparta will move from the SWCL to the Summit Conference.
“I’m excited to join the Summit Conference,” Sparta head coach Rachel Kirkman said. “While it is a very young conference as far as volleyball is concerned, it will be exciting to join this conference and watch the Summit Conference become more and more competitive.”
Second-team all-conference senior Averi Leyland and honorable mention all-conference selection junior Penelope Hansen return.
“I’m excited to watch her (Leyland) as she steps into more of a leadership role for her senior season. She is just a natural athlete and can be an offensive threat from any spot on the front row,” Kirkman said. “(Hansen) played mostly middle for us last year with a little bit of opportunity to play on the right side, as well, as she puts up such a solid block for us. Along with her block, she has really put a lot of work into becoming an offensive threat, as well.”
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Caitlyn Horris and Mya Fulton round out the returning players.
“Caitlyn Norris is another returner that I’m excited to watch this season. She has put in an incredible amount of work in the off-season and has gained so much confidence in her own abilities. We’ve seen her athletic potential since she was a freshman, and I think she is starting to see that, as well. She is going to be stepping into a setting role, which is new for her, but her knowledge of the game and athletic ability just makes her a natural for this spot,” Kirkman said. “Mya Fulton will be returning at the libero position for us. This will be her third year playing in that position, and her knowledge, skill, and confidence improves every year. She has grown so much in her ability to read the hitter, see the floor, and communicate with her team.”
Addie Humble (junior), Layne Forgey (junior), Emmy Hightower (sophomore) and Madeline Brown (senior) are newcomers who will impact varsity.
Kirkman on Humble: “Addie Humble will be another one of our potential setters. She has smooth hands when she sets and sees the floor so well. She is a great leader for this team.”
Kirkman on Forgey: “Layne Forgey is a player that probably would have seen a substantial amount of varsity time last year. However, she suffered an ACL tear during the summer that kept her from playing. She is just a natural athlete and will give us some added depth in either a defensive role or setting role.”
Kirkman on Hightower: “Emmy Hightower will step in for us in the front row. She is small but can fly. Having been a competitive gymnast for most of her life, her athletic ability is just off the charts. She works hard and will be fun to watch this year.”
Kirkman on Brown: “Madeline Brown has worked hard to earn a spot on varsity. Over the last two years, our JV has lost 3 games total. Madeline has been a huge part of this. She is scrappy on defense, aggressive on offense, and brings a no-fear attitude to this team.”
Playing as a team will be a strength for Sparta.
“Our biggest strength this year will be our team unity and our ability to overcome,” Kirkman said. “I think these girls all know the main goal is to win as a team. They aren’t worried about individual accolades and simply want to do what it takes to win. They are a very selfless group of girls.”
Sparta graduated a pair of first-team all-conference players, but don’t expect the Lady Trojans to take a step back.
“This summer was such a fun summer for these girls,” Kirkman said. “After graduating a few key players, many people were telling us that this might just be a rebuilding year for us. After seeing how hard the girls worked this summer and how well this group played together, I don’t see this as a rebuilding year, at all. I think we will surprise a lot of people and just continue to build on the program we’ve been working to grow.”
Sparta opens the regular season on Aug. 26 at the Stockton Tournament.
“Last year we went undefeated in the SWCL,” Kirkman said. “We were able to go out of that conference on a high note, but we would love to be able to step into this new conference and do the same thing. We know that it is going to be tough, but that is what we have set our sights on.”
