By Chris Parker
Hurley volleyball will look to climb above .500 behind a quartet of returning seniors in Madison Conrad (middle hitter), Jaema Schimmels (setter), Kenzie Riley (middle hitter) and Dacia Grubbs (outside hitter).
“These four seniors have proven this summer how much they want it this year,” Hurley head coach Cortney Smith said. “You can always count on them to be at any and all events that we had. They are all great leaders and have grown so much over the last four years that I have been able to coach them. I cannot wait to see what this season holds.”
Smith on Conrad: “Madison has a big presence at the net and works hard. She has improved so much each year and there is no doubt, this year will be the same. She led the team in kills and blocks last year, and I believe she will only raise that number this year.”
Smith on Schimmels: “Jaema is an outstanding setter. She led the team in assists last year but is also very versatile. She is also able to play defense and swing on a ball if the opportunity comes. She also led the team in aces last year.”
Smith on Riley: “Kenzie will no doubt help on the net this year. Last year she had great numbers for kills and blocks and we are looking to grow those numbers this year.”
Smith on Grubbs: “Dacia is always working hard to improve her performance and never lets down. She is a great asset on the net and on defense. She always works hard and never gives up.”
Kaitlyn Drewery (junior), Hayden Young (sophomore), Erica Florez (sophomore), Gloria Usuerlu (freshman) and Josie North (sophomore) will also be varsity contributors.
Smith on Drewery: “Kaitlyn will be seeing time on varsity this year at the net. She has worked hard this summer and I can see it paying off.”
Smith on Young: “Hayden is a player that is great on defense but if you need her at the net, she will be there. She gives her all and has a great attitude no matter what.”
Smith on Florez: “Erica is going to see some playing time on varsity this year as well. She has stepped up and is really working hard on defense this summer. She never gives up and gives 100% when she’s on the court.”
Smith on Usuerlu: “Gloria is a very versatile player. This summer she has proven that no matter where we put her, she is going to listen and give it all she’s got. You can always count on her to bring up the team when they’re down and she never lets a bad play get to her.”
Smith on North: “Josie put in a lot of work this summer and it shows. She is always giving her all out on the court and will likely see some varsity playing time this year.”
Hurley travels to Southwest for a jamboree on Aug. 27 with Purdy, Wheaton and the host Trojans before opening the season on Aug. 30 at Fordland.
