By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Coaching a top-notch program like Clever volleyball was an opportunity that Mackenzie Stoner couldn’t pass up.
Stoner, who recently finished her college volleyball career (2020-23) at Evangel University in Springfield, will begin her high school coaching career this fall as Clever’s new head coach.
Stoner said coaching was always in her career plans.
“My plan was to become a teacher and coach wherever I was teaching,” said Stoner, a Jackson High School graduate from southeastern Missouri. “When looking for a school to do so, Clever was my first choice. Having heard about the culture and tradition of Clever volleyball, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
Stoner has coached on the club level for several years. She’ll inherit a solid and battle-tested roster in her first season at Clever.
Four seniors lead the way for the Lady Jays.
Audrey Riley returns at setter, where she recorded 646 assists last season. Riley, who was second team all-conference in the Mid-Lakes, added 52 aces and is also a capable defensive player (274 digs).
She’s on pace to surpass 1,000 career assists this season.
“She knows how to run an offense effectively and can hold her own on defense,” Stoner said. “Audrey has shown strong leadership qualities and cares for her teammates.”
Chandlyr Friend and Addie Gilmore will power Clever’s offense. Like Riley, both are quality two-way players.
Friend, a first team all-conference honoree, had 268 kills and 372 digs last season.
“Chandlyr is an asset to this team,” Stoner said. “Not only can she put the ball away, but she can also defend well.”
Gilmore posted 272 kills and a team-high 75 blocks. She earned all-state honors in Class 3.
“Addie is a strong presence at the net on offense and defense,” Stoner said. “She also encourages those around her and leads with confidence and grace.”
Sydney Bollenbach is back for one final run in the libero spot, where she led the Lady Jays with 481 digs last season. She earned second team all-conference honors.
“She has proven herself time and time again,” Stoner said. “Sydney is the type of player who knows how to fix her mistakes and strives to be the best in everything.”
Clever’s senior foursome were an integral part of the team’s final four run last season.
“Our seniors are experienced and ready to lead this team. One of our biggest strengths this season is going to be our defense,” Stoner said. “Our defense not only hustles after every ball but they have learned to read the other teams’ offense very well.
“Our attacks will also be very strong this year. The girls are able to see the holes on the other side and place the ball there.”
To fill in some graduation gaps, Clever is counting on four sophomores who saw limited varsity action a year ago.
Madi Lansdown, who was a defensive specialist last season (200 digs), will shift into a more prominent role as a six-rotation player.
“She has consistent ball control and a smooth arm swing,” Stoner said.
Addy Hoover will try to help Clever replace a vacated setter spot.
“She’s quick on her feet and hustles to every ball,” Stoner said.
Anna Staiger and Lauren Bos are eager to make a bigger impact on varsity this season.
“Anna is a consistent passer who makes clean passes and reads well on defense,” Stoner said. “Lauren has a lot of potential and will be on the right side this season. She can block and swing well.”
Freshman middle Bella Argo has been impressive early on and could be an immediate varsity contributor.
“She played outside in junior high but has transitioned smoothly into the middle position this summer,” Stoner said. “She is very coachable and learns quickly.”
Clever comes off its second-best season in program history.
The Lady Jays finished 31-7-3 overall, won their district championship and reached the state final four for just the second time ever. They finished fourth overall in Class 3.
Clever graduated four seniors from its 2023 squad: Morgan Bos, Jenna Thompson, Alexa Orphan and Jocelyn Sisk.
Bos led the team in kills (403) and was second in blocks (56). Sisk tallied 504 assists in Clever’s two-setter system.
Stoner said she put an extra emphasis on getting to know her new players during the offseason.
“In our open gyms and tournament days this summer, when we weren’t playing, we all sat together and got to know each other,” Stoner said. “The girls truly love the game and know it well. The coaches before me truly invested time into these players to get them where they are today.
“Getting to be a part of this program this summer has been such a huge blessing. I am excited for this season and the seasons to come.”
Clever will play in a four-team jamboree scrimmage on Aug. 27 at Carl Junction.
The regular season opener is Sept. 3 at home against Webb City. Clever will also host a “Pink Out” night for breast cancer awareness on Oct. 10 versus Hollister.
While the Lady Jays are focused on achieving another winning season, Stoner wants to make sure her players enjoy the ride along the way.
“Success does mean winning games but it also means building a family and creating a sense of belonging between the girls,” she said. “I want the girls to know that they have people who love them and believe in them.”
