Branson volleyball will be young but won’t lack in varsity experience this season
By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
2023 proved to be a season of ups and downs for Branson volleyball.
The Pirates posted a 14-15-4 record, falling to Webb City in the district tournament.
“We had a lot of young kids on the floor last season,” head coach McBride said. “Most of the season we started – or played the majority of the time – a freshman and four sophomores. We ended the season playing our best volleyball, losing in a close, five-set battle to Webb City in the district tournament.”
A quartet of juniors will step into prominent roles for the Pirates this season in Gigi McAdara, Kayden Butrum, Sarah Cox and Emma Skoglund.
Gigi McAdara – MH, RS, OH
“Gigi is such a versatile player and led us in kills last year,” McBride said. “She had a great club season and gained a lot of experience in different roles. I’m expecting big things from her again.”
Kayden Butrum – Libero
“[Butrum] led us in digs last year,” McBride said. “Kayden is a very focused player and brings a calm presence to the floor as well as fills a well-deserved leadership role for our defense.”
Sarah Cox – OH, DS
“Sara brings a spark to the floor,” McBride said. “Whether it be often or defense, she’s going to make plays happen and is so fun to watch.”
Emma Skoglund – MH, OH
“Emma is an extremely hard worker who has put in a lot of time working on her game and had a great club season,” McBride said. “She brings a lot of experience that I’m excited for.”
Sophomore Joree McBride also returns to the lineup following an offseason injury.
“Joree played varsity as a freshman last year on offense and defense but tore her ACL and meniscus and club season and will just be cleared to return to play in August,” Coach McBride said. “We are hoping to see her back on the court soon.”
In addition to her returning corps, Coach McBride expects a varsity newcomer to make an immediate impact this season at the setter position.
“Incoming sophomore Erinn Swofford will steer the ship as the setter,” Coach McBride said. “She has done a great job this summer, and we look forward to watching her grow in this position. She has beautiful hands but had no varsity court time last year. She has worked extremely hard in the off-season and she will be fun to watch.”
While Branson’s lineup remains young, for the most part, Coach McBride believes it will benefit greatly from last season’s trial-by-fire experience.
“I am so excited for this season and expect great things out of this group,” Coach McBride said. “They gained a lot of experience as freshmen and sophomores together on the floor the last couple of years, so I’m excited to see how that plays out on the court this season.”
Following an Aug. 29 jamboree at West Plains, Branson opens its season at home Aug. 31 in the Branson Invitational Tournament.
