By Chris Parker
Reeds Spring volleyball brings back five players who saw action in a majority of the sets last season.
That group, along with the newcomers, have been focused on improving their games in the off-season to help Reeds Spring bounce back from its first sub-.500 season since 2017.
“The biggest strength for our team this year is their dedication and drive to improve,” Reeds Spring head coach Addison Parish said. “This group has a relentless work ethic and a commitment to excellence. They are not satisfied with merely being good enough; instead, they strive to improve their skills and performance each day. Every practice they step into the gym they are determined to progress, with each player aiming to get just 1% better every time they step on the court.”
Senior outside hitter Shelby Evans leads the returning players after she led the Wolves with 342 kills last season.
“Shelby Evans will have an important role as one of our primary hitters and her contribution as one of the six rotation players,” Parish said. “Her presence on the front and back rows will ensure she remains a constant offensive threat.”
Cailyn Kite played in all 89 sets last season and will be the libero. She had 219 serve receptions and 144 digs last season.
“Cailyn Kite will impact the team with her reliable passing and leadership; her vocal presence and consistency on the floor make her a key role of the team,” Parish said.
Leah Irvin (senior middle blocker), Brooklyn Fuller (junior outside hitter) and Kylie Fitzwater (junior middle blocker/right side) also return after they all played in between 43 and 68 of the 89 varsity sets last season.
Parish on Irvin: “Leah Irvin brings versatility as a middle blocker who can attack from various positions. This will help create one-on-one opportunities for the pin hitters by challenging opposing middles.”
Parish on Fuller: “Brooklyn Fuller, one of the six rotation players, adds flexibility with her ability to play multiple positions, helping the team’s adaptability.”
Parish on Fitzwater: “Kylie Fitzwater offers versatility as a middle blocker and right-side hitter. She again provides speed from the middle and opposite pin. Each of these returning players will significantly influence the team’s performance and cohesiveness on the court.”
Blaiklee Cagle (senior defensive specialist), Faith McMurdo (senior setter), Emma Thompson (junior middle blocker/right side) and Chloe Kugler (sophomore setter) are newcomers to varsity.
Parish on Cagle: “Blaiklee Cagle stands out for her exceptional work ethic and effort. Her contributions will be valuable in strengthening our defense, particularly in keeping balls up and playable.”
Parish on McMurdo: “Faith McMurdo brings great court awareness and is a strategic setter, allowing her hitters for effective one-on-one opportunities by reading the opposing defense.”
Parish on Thompson: “Emma Thompson adds power and presence with her strong arm and impactful block.”
Parish on Kugler: “Chloe Kugler is developing her skills and plays a key role in creating opportunities for her hitters.”
Improving consistency will be a focus for Reeds Spring.
“Our team must focus on improving our consistency in staying “in system” during both serve-receive and defense,” Parish said. “This will give us the ability to have effective and aggressive offensive strategies. But volleyball is about getting people out of system, which makes it crucial that we develop the skills to remain an offensive threat even when we are out of system. Being able to be effective both in system and out of system can ensure that we capitalize on every opportunity and maintain a high level of play throughout the season.”
Reeds Spring travels to Willard on Aug. 27 for a jamboree with Willard, Springfield Catholic and Licking. The Wolves open the regular season on Aug. 31 at the Branson Tournament.
“The overall expectation for the team this year is to continually focus on improving their skills and understanding the value of hard work,” Parish said. “While winning games and districts is certainly a goal, we want to continue developing a strong work ethic and dedication to improvement. With consistent effort and striving for personal and team growth, the wins will naturally follow. We want the team to continue to embrace the process of improvement, recognizing that their hard work will lead to better performance on the court and ultimately contribute to their success throughout the season.”
