By Chris Parker
Fordland volleyball has improved its win total in each of its past three seasons finishing 14-12-1 last season for the program’s first winning record since 2017. The Eagles will look to keep that streak of improvement alive with an experienced core returning.
“Our biggest strength this year will be our varsity leaders,” Fordland head coach Ronni Cummins said. “We have a group of very experienced varsity girls that have played together for years, which gives them some great experience as a unit. I am excited to see how they operate together. I believe that having a large number of players this year will definitely increase the competitive drive within the girls that they normally wouldn’t have with a smaller group.”
Leading the returning players are first-team all-conference selections Emma Trotter and Loren Bojko.
Trotter is a senior outside hitter who averaged five kills per game last season.
“She (Trotter) has goals of attending college with a sports scholarship, and I believe that she will achieve that,” Cummins said. “She has a very strong sense of team, and her drive to always do better surprises me often. She is a very positive asset to our team, and I am looking forward to seeing her in action in her final season. I have coached Emma since she was in middle school, so it makes me very proud to see the person she has grown to be, both on and off of the court.”
Bojko is a setter and right side hitter who was strong serving the ball and hitting last season.
“Loren shows tremendous growth each time she walks on the court,” Cummins said. “Loren has an insane understanding of the game and the court at all times, and she knows how to improve the play every time she touches the ball. She has an ability to lead her teammates and help them strive for their individual greatness. Loren has goals of attending college to play volleyball as well, which I have no doubts she will do. She seems to have volleyball in her DNA, and anyone that watches her will agree.”
Lily Kindall (junior libero), Kaelie Johnson (junior middle hitter), Britton Suter (junior setter/right side hitter), Addison Neal (sophomore middle hitter) and Catherine Cline (senior defensive specialist) also return.
Kindall averages 8-10 digs per game.
“She (Kindall) is one of the fastest girls on our team and she knows how to push her limits to succeed in games and in practices,” Cummins said. “I would say that Lily often comes out with more bruises than anyone else because she will selflessly go after any/every ball. I have watched Lily develop from barely being able to pass a ball, to now being my “go-to” passer and defender.”
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Johnson posted five kills per game with a 93% serve percentage.
“Kaelie has a way of being steady and consistent on the court,” Cummins said. “She is very reliable to our team, which is an amazing asset to have. Kaelie has really nailed down her swing and I am often very surprised at how well she can adjust herself to get every set that comes her way.”
Suter averages six attacks per game.
“Britton is strong, stable, and teachable,” Cummins said. “Britton formulates her actions and understands what she can do to improve them. She has given me so much to look forward to for this season because of her personal growth and the positivity that she brings to the court. She has stepped up to be a setter for us, which is fairly new for her. However, she has never backed down from the challenges that I throw at her.”
Neal served at an 87% percentage with seven attacks per game.
“Addison strives to improve her skills every time we play,” Cummins said. “She is a fantastic team player and will always step up to a challenge when asked. Her kindness and her focus are very admirable. Addison has a killer serve and is working to sharper her skills as our MH this season.”
Cline is a fixture on defense.
“Catherine is our lighthouse in the storm,” Cummins said. “She stands steady and prevails, no matter what. Catherine has progressed exponentially as part of our back row defense system. I know that I can rely on her to not only show up, but to be a constant variable to our team’s growth.”
Fordland has a wealth of newcomers including nine freshmen and five foreign exchange students which could have the roster up to as many as 25 players.
Fordland opens the regular season on Aug. 25 at Hurley.
“My overall expectation for my team is to instill a strong sense of competitiveness and set attainable goals,” Cummins said. “My team has an inspiring drive to perform the task at hand, and they always want to do their best. I wish to cultivate that spirit into a long-term idea that doesn’t fade when exhaustion sets in. The season is long, especially if girls participate in summer programs. I want to focus on creating a season of growth for them individually and as a team. We are taking advantage of the mature group that we have on our varsity team to help produce a great record this season.”
