By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A familiar face will be patrolling the sidelines this fall for Willard volleyball, as Emily Hutcheson enters her first season as head coach.
Most recently the head coach at Logan-Rogersville, Hutcheson previously served as a Willard assistant for 10 seasons under Hall of Fame coach Jamalee Hancock.
Her immediate task?
Rebuild and revitalize a traditional powerhouse that has struggled recently, posting five wins in each of the past two seasons.
“We lost both middles in our senior class last season, but we are optimistic with the
underclassmen that are stepping up to fulfill those roles,” Hutcheson said.
A pair of talented juniors return to lead the Tigers in setter Abby Morris and outside hitter Taylor Roweton.
“Both Abby and Taylor bring leadership, experience and competitiveness to our court,” Hutcheson said. “They are both highly dynamic players that are able to execute and perform under pressure. Both players also accept challenges and meet them head on, playing with a sense of fearlessness!”
Sophomore middle/outside hitter Kalee Sutphen also returns to the lineup.
“We look for [Sutphen] to bring speed, dynamics and strength to our offense,” Hutcheson said.
A trio of defensive specialists round out Willard’s returning corps in junior Kylin Vandever, senior Allie Colvett and senior Allie Worster.
“Our defensive players do an exceptional job of reading the block and attack to make great defensive plays,” Hutcheson said. “We rely on their vocal leadership and calm, confidence in serve-receive, as well.”
Hutcheson will also look to a host of varsity newcomers to step in and make an impact on the roster.
Violet Kirkpatrick, Raegan Brannock, Ashton Hurd, Taylor Wynn, Maelee Schulze and Nora Taylor will all compete for playing time this season.
“I want the girls to enjoy playing the game and playing with each other,” Hutcheson said. “I am looking for unity as we progress towards our post-season goals. The girls bring a high level of energy and eagerness to compete each time they are in the gym. They want to learn and grow in their skills and build a strong foundation for us to compete.”
Morris and Hurd will spearhead Willard’s attack from the setter position.
“Abby is an experienced setter who has competed at a high level,” Hutcheson said. “She is great about identifying mismatches between our attackers and the opposing team’s block. Abby also allows our offense to be dynamic by utilizing her jump set and incorporating our free ball plays.
“We also look to Ashlyn Hurd to get us competing at a high level offensively. Both players are working well together and we are eager to continue fine tuning our offense.”
Following an Aug. 27 home jamboree, Willard opens its season at home Sep. 3 against Marshfield.
