By Chris Parker
Hurley volleyball will look to improve on last season’s nine-win campaign with a pair of seniors and three juniors returning this season.
The returning players include: Selena Flores (senior defensive specialist), Morgan Smith (senior outside hitter), Jaema Schimmels (junior setter), Madison Conrad (junior middle hitter) and Dacia Grubbs (junior).
Head coach Claudia Little on Flores: “She is our best defensive player and works hard 100% of the time. She leads the team by modeling hard work, is always encouraging and keeping her teammates motivated.”
Little on Smith: “She is a leader on and off the court. She is always looking to improve and will do anything for the team and her teammates.”
Little on Schimmels: “She has been a starting setter for the last two years. She received all-conference and all-district honors. Jaema is a presence on the court. She will step up and be the leader of the team.”
Little on Conrad: “She is always trying to improve in every aspect of the game. She received all-conference and all-district honors and is our leading hitter but will be one of the leaders in all other areas of the game.”
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Little on Grubbs: “(She) played some varsity last year. She is the one that will play anywhere and do anything we need her to do. She is more confident and will be an asset on the court.”
Newcomers include Kenzie Riley (junior middle hitter) and Kaitlyn Drewery (sophomore outside hitter).
Little on Riley: “(She) proved this summer that she is looking for a starting position. She has improved in all areas of the game.”
Little on Drewery: “(She) continues to improve. She has committed to getting better.”
Addy Maxwell, Jayden North, Erica Flores, Hayden Young and Josie North are five freshmen who played in the summer as well.
“This team is full of unselfish players,” Little said. “They are friends on and off the court. They are coachable and will put in the extra time to be successful.”
Hurley will travel to Purdy for a jamboree on Aug. 22 with the host Eagles, Southwest and Wheaton. The Lady Tigers open the regular season on Aug. 25 at home against Fordland.
“The sky’s the limit (this season),” Little said. “I believe these girls can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
