By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Joplin volleyball program has seen some significant changes over the past few months, creating a somewhat unique opportunity for this year’s team.
For the third time in the past four seasons, the Eagles will begin the year with a new head coach on the sidelines. And based on the timing of those coaching changes, Eagles players have seen three different head coaches since July 2023.
New head coach Emily Killion will have the chance to build a foundation for a program that is just two years removed from a district championship, but finished 6-18-1 last fall.
Killion was an all-state volleyball standout at Wheaton High School who went on to play at Cottey College, and most recently served as an assistant coach at McDonald County.
She replaces longtime coach Staci Saunders, who retired from coaching following the 2020 season but was re-hired on an interim basis just before practices began last summer.
Killion inherits a team that will be looking to replace five graduated seniors, including four starters. But with a six-player senior class leading the way, she is excited about the opportunities that await the Eagles this fall.
“I think they have handled the transition very well,” Killion said. “They have trusted in me and the things that I have been asking of them in practice. This is a great group of young women we have, and they have been great leaders for us so far.”
Killion said players are eager to put last season behind them and start fresh this fall.
“My vision for Joplin volleyball is to create a positive culture where athletes play with a lack of fear of making mistakes — because making mistakes is where they will see their growth,” Killion said. “I want to build a program conducive to winning through hard work, discipline, strategy and focusing on mental health. I want us to be the team who goes out and beats teams they aren’t expected to beat.”
Joplin’s seniors include setter Adalynn Noirfalise, middle hitter Amy Kessler, defensive specialists Lucy Erisman and Gracie Sophia and front-row talents Emma Zallar and Sanhi Martin.
Noirfalise led the Eagles with 637 assists and 45 aces last fall and ranked second with 248 digs.
“She will play a big role in making our hitters look good,” Killion said. “She has a very calm presence on the court and plays very smart.”
Amy Kessler put down 29 kills and picked up 43 blocks last season, both top-two totals among returning Eagles. Look for those numbers to improve this fall.
“She will provide us with a big presence on the net,” Killion said. “I expect her to help out our defense a lot by putting up big hands and slowing those hard hitters down.”
Erisman ranked fourth on the Eagles with 198 receptions and 129 digs, while Sofia will graduate to a more prominent role on the varsity squad.
“They have shown such hustle and determination thus far on the back row,” Killion said. “They are going to play a vital role in allowing us to consistently set up an attack.”
Zallar and Martin will also see increased varsity playing time this fall.
“They will also be big contributors to our offense,” Killion said.
Juniors Lydia Barwick (defensive specialist), Aubrey Strickland (middle hitter) and Sophie Krumsick (defensive specialist) will all play prominent roles for the Eagles.
Sophomore Brealynn Strickland will be a six-rotation player.
“She will make contributions as a hitter and passer for us,” Killion said. “She has been coachable and has really stepped into a bigger role than she has had in the past.”
Classmates Anistyn Murdock and Sydney Milburn will also compete for varsity playing time, while freshman Payton Cunningham will look to crack the lineup as a freshman.
Killion said the team will have a very strategic approach on the court.
“We may not have the hardest hitters, but if we can outwork and out strategize our opponents then I expect us to be fairly successful,” Killion said. “We focus on bringing nothing but positivity and supporting our teammates that help us be successful as a whole team. A hitter does not get an amazing hit without a great set, and that setter cannot make that great set without a great dig from a passer. It is truly a team effort in our success.”
Joplin’s jamboree is scheduled for August 27, when they’ll travel to Carthage to face the Tigers, Nevada and Aurora. They will open the regular season on August 3 at Nevada, then return home two days later to face Lebanon.
“I believe the team’s biggest strength is that this group we have is willing to come in every practice and work,” Killion said. “They are very coachable and have trusted in what the coaching staff has asked them to do, even if it has been challenging. Having athletes that are coachable is huge. The girls are very open minded to learning new things and are getting used to having the mindset of being comfortable being uncomfortable. Because of this, I think we will make a great run this year and do things that people don’t expect us to do.”
