2024 Fall Preview: Forsyth Volleyball

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By Chris Parker

If Forsyth volleyball is to post a sixth-consecutive winning season, the Lady Panthers will have to rely on new players to step up after graduating all but one player who saw action in a majority of the varsity sets last season.

“Our team needs to focus on consistency and getting experience competing at the varsity level,” Forsyth head coach Melissa Ellison said. “We lost several seniors last year who finished with all-state, all-conference, and all-district honors that played key roles in Forsyth’s successful seasons the past few years, so this is a brand new team on the court and will be a rebuilding year. This is the first time for several girls on our team to be playing at the varsity level. I’m excited to see the cohesiveness come together and them battle it out fighting for wins this season.”

Junior middle hitter Gabrielle Thompson is the only returning player who saw action in a majority of last season’s varsity sets playing in 99 of 100. She was a force at the net leading the team with 20 blocks.

“Gabby’s athleticism, work ethic, positive attitude, and experience playing at the varsity level will provide leadership for our young team,” Ellison said. “Gabby puts up a great block and can put the ball down. She improved so much last season and has put in the work in the offseason as well. Her drive, motivation, maturity, and effort are unmatched. I have no doubt she will shine this season and will play a big role in our team’s success.”

Junior Lauren Turner (OH/S) and senior Anna Cardwell (S/DS) saw limited varsity action last season playing in 24 and 33 sets, respectively.

Ellison on Turner: “Lauren is super athletic, and I’ve seen great things out of her this summer. She started playing varsity at the end of last season and really stepped up for us in districts. Lauren is a versatile player and will take on a setting role for the first time this season. She is a sponge and continues to show consistency and improvement in all aspects of her game. She has high expectations for herself and is super competitive. She will be a key player for us and has the potential to have a breakout season.”

Ellison on Cardwell: “Anna is our only senior. She also saw varsity action last year and will be sharing the setting duties helping run our offense this season. Anna has shown lots of scrappiness and improvement in her defensive game this summer and has been fun to watch her diving all over the floor keeping balls in play. She is vocal, competitive, plays with so much hustle and heart, and will provide leadership for the girls.”

Junior Josy Graham played nine sets of varsity last season and will have a much bigger role as the libero this season.

“Josy will play libero for us this season. She is comfortable in this position and continues to focus on improving her defense and passing. I’m excited to watch her push herself this season,” Ellison said.

Sophomore Chelsey Adams will look to add offense to the varsity lineup.

“Chelsey is athletic and has the potential to be another offensive threat for us,” Ellison said. “She has continued to gain confidence and knowledge as she gets reps and experience playing in the off-season. I’m excited to see her discover what she’s capable of this season.”

Junior Alex Lawrence (OH/DS), sophomore Khloe Cook (OH/DS) and freshman Maci Moore (MH/OPP) will all see varsity action this season.

“I’ve seen great things both on defense and offense from all three girls during summer play,” Ellison said. “I expect them to stay focused on doing what they can to step up and play a role in helping our team be successful.”

Sophomores Lauren Stauffer (OH/OPP) and Riley Holmberg (S/DS) have shown steady improvement this summer and will compete for varsity time according to Ellison.

“I think our biggest strength will be our defense, team dynamic and chemistry, and potential,” Ellison said. “All the girls have positive attitudes and get along, hustle on defense, and want to win which will help with our team’s success.”

Forsyth opens the season Aug. 31 at the Branson Tournament.

“I have high expectations for these girls and want them to be a solid team,” Ellison said. “Several girls have been eager and waiting to compete playing varsity and are excited for the opportunity. Our focus will be on continuously improving and learning the speed competing at the varsity level.”

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