By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It’s been seven years since the El Dorado Springs volleyball program won fewer than 27 games in a season — a time when this year’s freshmen were in second grade.
That level of success doesn’t come easy, but the Bulldogs show no signs of slowing down.
With four returning starters from last year’s 28-8-1 team, this fall’s group is poised to compete for the school’s third district championship in the past four seasons — and 10th since 2009.
“Our program has continued to grow each year,” El Dorado Springs coach Ashley Rogers said. “Our youth league has multiple teams at each grade level, the youth camp we put on grows each year and we take pride in the tradition that was started many years ago. Being from here and going through this program myself, makes it that much more special for me each year that we are successful. I want these girls to have the best experience and get to the highest level while learning the value of hard work and determination.”
The Bulldogs graduated a three-player senior class, creating some battles for playing time.
“We still don’t have a set line up and it might change each game,” Rogers said. “I have a lot of girls competing for spots. It will be interesting to see who steps up each day and earns their spot. Competition breeds success, so I think it only makes us better to have kids that can push each other.”
All-state selections Neely Schaaf and Alexis Collins appear to have locked down starting jobs.
The seniors spent each of their first three seasons as varsity starters, and earned all-conference and all-district honors in all three years.
Collins, a setter/right side, was the team’s top server and setter last fall, amassing 52 aces and 561 assists. She also ranked second with 241 kills.
“She has a vast knowledge of the game and is very court smart,” Rogers said. “She led our team in multiple stats last year and has a strong desire to win. She places the ball well serving, setting and swinging.”
Schaaf, also a setter/right side, led the Bulldogs with 286 kills. She added 426 assists.
“Neely is super athletic and does just about anything to make a play,” Rogers said.
Junior libero McKinli Mays has also started since her freshman season and is a two-time all-conference and all-district selection. As a sophomore, she led the Bulldogs in receptions (639) and digs (446) and ranked second with 45 aces.
“She is a silent leader,” Rogers said. “She doesn’t say much but she does an awesome job helping her teammates in the back row and can run down just about any ball and make a great play. She takes her job very seriously and completes at a high level.”
Senior outside hitter Avery Floyd is another multi-year starter. The two-time all-conference honoree also made the all-district team last fall after ranking third on the Bulldogs with 180 kills.
“She’s a great server and can place the ball just about anywhere on the court,” Rogers said. “She is determined to be successful and help her teammates along the way. Her drive is very impressive.”
Kalen Post, Madi Fast and Brook Coale also return after spending last year on the varsity.
Post, a junior middle blocker, picked up 35 blocks last fall.
“She’s got a huge vertical that helps her be successful at the net,” Rogers said. “She has worked hard on every aspect of her game to make her a more well-rounded player.
Fast, a senior, and Coale, a junior, are both defensive specialists. Each recorded more than 100 receptions a year ago, numbers that should increase this fall.
“Madi also brings experience because she has played a lot of club ball,” Rogers said. “She leads well from the back row and understands the importance of good defense.”
“Brook is very fast and will go after any ball,” the coach added. “She is very athletic and competes for every ball. She’s a great defender.”
Senior outside hitters Carly Thompson and Nikki Waggoner are among the varsity newcomers who will be looking to play their way into the rotation.
“Carly is super strong,” Rogers said. “She has worked hard in the weightroom this offseason and continued to improve. She’s got a heavy arm and swings well from the outside.”
“Nikki brings knowledge to the game for us,” Rogers added. “She has worked hard to improve and grow her game. She swings well from the outside and is smart about ball placement.”
Juniors Tatum Quinlan and Lainey Dody could also see time on the court.
Quinlan will spend the year primarily as a middle blocker.
“Tatum has been thrown into a new position each year,” Rogers said. “I think this is what has made her such a strong asset. She understands what each position’s job is. She has competed well this summer and continues to grow her ability each day. She also has a lot of club experience that has strengthened her game.”
Dody will rotate between outside hitter and middle blocker.
“Lainey is a super athletic kid,” Rogers said. “She’s able to play multiple positions in the front row and she jumps out of the gym. She’s continued playing club for years and has gained valuable experience.”
Sophomore Allie Thompson gives the Bulldogs another threat at outside hitter.
“Allie is one of those kids that’s willing to play anywhere,” Rogers said. “She just wants to play. She’ll learn the position and strive to do her best. She’s very athletic and able to play multiple positions.”
Outside hitter/middle blocker Shay Linsenmeyer could have an immediate impact as a freshman.
“I expect Shay to grow her game a bit this year, gain some valuable experience and really be an asset in the future,” Rogers said. “She’s got a huge vertical and is willing to jump in anywhere.”
The Bulldogs will travel to Camdenton on August 27 for a jamboree with Lakers and Smith-Cotton. Their regular-season debut is set for August 31 at the Stockton Invitational.
“This group is very driven and strives for success,” Rogers said. “I’m excited to see how we compete in the postseason this year and look forward to seeing how far we can go.”
