By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Diamond Wildcats are coming off a 33-win season and a district championship and return many from that successful team.
“We have quite a few returning players,” said head coach Haley Wheeler.
Lauren Turner, Kabrie Parmley, and Sara Roszell are returning seniors; Turner was a first team all-district and first team all-conference selection. “We are looking to our seniors to lead emotionally and vocally this year. These three work extremely hard in the weight room and push their teammates to do the same,” said Wheeler. Turner plays at middle, Parmley, outside, and Roszell, outside.
“We are also returning a strong junior class,” said Wheeler. “Talyn Daniels (honorable mention all-district, middle), Aubrey Ball (second team all-district and all-conference setter and outside hitter), Addie Beckett (setter, defensive specialist), Kenzie Crook (setter), and Aspen Daniel (outside, defensive specialist) “are knowledgeable about the game of volleyball and quiet leaders,” Coach Wheeler said. “They do things the right way and lead by example.”
“We also have an awesome group of underclassmen,” said Wheeler. “I am excited for the level of competition they will bring to practices and games. Our varsity is only as strong as our JV. From the ground up, it helps to have kids that are competitive and love the grind. I am extremely excited to work with such a great group. Every member of our team, from the bench to the floor, will be vital to our success this season.”
“Our goals for the season would include a conference championship, district championship, and a postseason run,” said Wheeler. “The past few years Diamond has won districts, but fallen short in sectionals. We would love to have a shot at the state tournament. We have been working hard this summer to prepare for the upcoming season. I am excited to see what they can accomplish when they come together to achieve a common goal.”
Diamond will host a jamboree on August 26 with Monett, Marionville, and Crane scheduled to attend. Their first home game will be on September 5 at McDonald County.
