By Chris Parker
Mansfield volleyball has continued to improve since the program returned in 2021 going from six wins in the first season to nine in the second to 12 last season. The Lady Lions also won a district game for the first time since the program’s rebirth.
This year, Mansfield will have a versatile lineup led by seniors.
“This year’s senior class will be the driving force behind our game play this fall,” Mansfield head coach Emily Smith said. “Our biggest strength this year is our athletes’ abilities to play multiple positions. We don’t have very many athletes that are locked in just one role or position. We have the ability to be fluid on the floor and play at a high level.”
The returning seniors include Haven Tripp, Elly Williams, Cali Lemons and Laikyn Ball.
Tripp had 46 aces, 149 kills and 160 digs as a junior.
“Haven Tripp will be a key component for us,” Smith said. “Tripp can play multiple positions and her athletic ability will make her a threat wherever she is on the floor. She passes well, attacks with force, and took reps this summer at leading the offense from the setter’s position. She’s going to be looked at to take a lot of this year’s leadership responsibilities on the court.”
Williams will be a setter and middle blocker coming off a season with 56 aces, 107 kills and 101 digs.
“Elly Williams was a newcomer last fall to the sport but quickly found her groove and made huge strides in perfecting her craft,” Smith said. “She battles at the net, being our leading blocker last season, and has a great court vision to hit the open spots. She has a great serve and is always prepared to compete.”
Lemons is also a setter and middle blocker who had 88 kills and 10 blocks as a junior.
“Cali Lemons struggled with a back injury last season, but she’s back and ready to play this fall,” Smith said. “Lemons is a go-to player that plays high above the net. She works hard to make each attack as aggressive as possible. She has an eye for spotting tip zones and has been working on a slide approach this off-season.”
Ball comes back 23 aces, 97 kills and 162 digs from her junior season.
“Laikyn has become a solid outside hitter,” Smith said. She’s working year-round at getting stronger, faster, and more dynamic. Laikyn has the ability to have a standout year this season. She has been working on her serve and how to become a better-balanced player. She’s going to impress some people and will keep our opponents guessing at her next move.”
Junior Miley Box is the final returning letter winner.
“Box held a defensive position last year that she really made her own,” Smith said. “There were lots of times that she came through for us in big ways from the back row. This year Box has an opportunity to change positions and help take over the setting for our team. She’s a great team player and will do whatever her team needs.”
A strong freshman class enters the program this season.
“Mansfield graduated five seniors last fall and a couple of those roles will be incredibly hard to replace, but this year’s freshmen athletes are some of the best I’ve worked with and they won’t shy away from getting ready for varsity level competition. Freshmen Kayley Kingery, Addie Brooke, Devynn Ball, and Kendall Sanders will be competing for a few of those varsity spots. Kingery is a super athlete with a passion for winning. She works hard to keep balls alive, and we will see her all over the floor this fall. Brooke’s level of understanding and knowledge of the sport is one of her biggest strengths. She plays well, but most importantly, she makes really smart decisions. This will help her gain some varsity time. Devynn Ball, sister to Laikyn, has a hustle and grit about her that makes her a go-getter on the back row. She’s not afraid to hit the floor and she’s been working hard on her serve and attack. Sanders, another freshman with great potential, stands tall at the net and has some of the prettiest se ting hands on the squad. She has a solid serve and can always rely on her to share a smile.”
Other players that will be competing for time on the floor are senior Cadence Best, junior Chloe Scofield, sophomore Shila Dotson, and freshman Rylee Dixon.
“Overall, we just want to compete. We want to play at a high level and flourish. We want to return to some championship matches this fall in tournaments along with making a run for a post season title,” Smith said. “I am proud of all my athletes, for the work they put in, and their willingness to show up every day for each other and myself. We believe in unity and togetherness and watching this team band together at times this summer makes me really excited for what’s to come.”
