By Chris Parker
Cabool volleyball will feature a nine-player varsity roster coming off a second-consecutive 16-win season in 2023.
Senior Nataleigh Cornelius along with junior Sophia Dotson and Cambree Woodard are three returning players to watch for Cabool.
Cornelius is a libero.
“As our libero, Nataleigh’s role is crucial in anchoring our defense,” Cabool head coach Cali Bartholomew said. “She reads the game with precision, anticipating opponents’ moves and positioning herself strategically to receive and pass the ball with accuracy.”
Dotson, an all-SCA selection last season, is an outside hitter.
“As she continues to dominate as our outside hitter, Sophia’s impact on the team and her ability to captivate audiences serve as a testament to her undeniable talent and passion for volleyball,” Bartholomew said.
The offense will run through Woodard at setter.
“Her quiet demeanor belies her impactful presence on the court,” Bartholomew said. “Despite her reserved nature, Cambree’s performance speaks volumes. As a setter, she orchestrates plays with precision and finesse, ensuring that each set is delivered with accuracy and timing.”
Alyssa Long, Lexi Miller, Lily Thiele, Bristol McCall, Jacie McMinn, and Jayne Thompson will all be on the varsity roster.
“Our team’s greatest strength lies in our unwavering resilience and unyielding determination,” Bartholomew said. “Every player embodies a spirit of toughness and grit that defines our identity on the volleyball court. We refuse to back down, no matter the challenge, because we believe in each other and our collective ability to succeed.”
Cabool opens the regular season on Sept. 3 at home against Bakersfield.
“My overall expectations for the team this year is to stretch the games,” Bartholomew said. “Our team’s overarching expectation is to consistently push ourselves to the limit in every match, aiming to extend games to 4-5 sets regardless of our smaller size and numbers. We embrace the challenge of competing against larger programs, determined to demonstrate our resilience and competitive spirit.”
