By Chris Parker
Lamar volleyball has a new head coach in Hallee Gammon this season. She takes over a program coming off its first losing season since 2016.
“As a first-year head coach, I am grateful for this opportunity to coach these girls and have two assistant coaches that are dedicated to building a program that is all about working hard to set a standard,” Gammon said. “This summer we got to experience the weight room with the Brotherhood football team. The girls put in the work and were committed as a group to showing up to push each other to get better. I appreciate how our athletic program at Lamar as a whole is pushing for that unity of wanting to coach all of our kids to be the best student athletes they can be. I am looking forward to watching these girls grow individually to reach their full potential playing the game we all love.”
Three players who saw action in all 77 sets return this year.
Baylee Heckadon earned second-team all-conference as a sophomore outside hitter putting down 145 total kills. Heckadon led Lamar in blocks with 32 while finishing second in both digs (240) and serve receptions (258).
“Her (Heckadon’s) strong hits, hustle, and her ability to play any spot on the floor puts our team at a huge advantage,” Gammon said.
Junior Calli Harris was an honorable mention all-conference selection in the Big 8 West last season. The outside hitter had 129 kills for third on the team. Harris is a top option from the serving line after she had 38 aces last season.
“Calli Harris is a great positive encourager and communicator anywhere on the court,” Gammon said. “She is a very powerful hitter and can adjust to any set she’s given and do something with it that is purposeful.”
Kynlee McCulloch is a senior setter who had 271 assists last season.
“She (McCulloch) has great senior leadership on the floor and places the ball on offense strategically,” Gammon said. “She will bring that passion and excitement to the team we need to carry us through those games to five sets.”
Sophie Bronson (senior middle hitter), Keely Taffner (junior hitter), Rowan Parks (junior libero) and Ashlyn Hayworth (sophomore hitter) all saw limited varsity action last season.
Gammon on Bronson: “Sophie Bronson only played a couple games last season due to a knee injury. She brings a fun spunky attitude to the floor making anyone on the team smile. This is her redemption year to finish strong, and I believe she will add to our team with that positive mindset.”
Gammon on Taffner: “Keely Taffner is our secret weapon. She is kind and sweet but loves to slam the ball down. With a lefty that can hit angles and lines adjusting to the blockers on the backside I can’t wait to see her get kills this season.”
Gammon on Parks: “Rowan Parks will be added to our offense as a setter this season. She has had to overcome an injury and surgery and we are excited to have her back reading the defense and placing that ball where we need it most.”
Gammon on Hayworth: “Ashlyn Hayworth will be useful as an outside or backside hitter. Her serves make great aces for our team, and she has strong hits to the defensive to open spots. Very excited for these returning athletes to all play together this season.”
Lilly Hill (junior libero), Eliana Bartholomew (sophomore middle hitter), Chrislyn Dixon (freshman middle hitter), Lydia Nolting (junior) and Taryn Queery (sophomore) are all working for varsity sets.
Gammon on Hill: “Lilly Hill will be new to the varsity floor this season. This summer she has worked very hard at getting those big play digs and making sure she communicates with her hitters to earn that different colored jersey.”
Gammon on Bartholomew: “Eliana Bartholomew will be a great addition to our varsity team this season. She has amazing potential as a sophomore. Her timing on her blocks and her aggressiveness on the front row have proven she is ready for this level of play.”
Gammon on Dixon: “Chrislyn Dixon has natural talent for the game. She is very coachable and has a work ethic that every coach desires for their athletes to have. She is quick on her feet and the speed of her hits will be very competitive this season.”
Lamar will be strong both at the net and the service line.
“As a team the biggest strength this year will be how aggressive we are at the net, having strong and purposeful hits as well as our serves,” Gammon said. “They are hungry for the ball this season, and it is fun to watch them earn each point together after an ace or kill.”
Lamar travels to Cassville for a jamboree on Aug. 27 with Seneca, McDonald County and the host Wildcats. The Tigers open the regular season on Sept. 3 at Strafford.
“With an entirely new coaching staff, our overall expectation for this season is to create a positive and hard-working atmosphere that molds a sense of a team that is truly a family,” Gammon said. “We want the team to have lots of fun memories but to create those we know we have to push past comfortability and instill confidence that creates victories. This we hope will create an example of what a team atmosphere can look like in word and deed.”
