By Chris Parker
Winona volleyball only returns three players from last season’s 15-win team, but they are a quality junior trio in Lexi Lindsey (setter), Taylor Williams (middle hitter) and Sophie Kile (outside hitter).
Lindsey distributed 686 assists on her way to all-state honors in Class 1. She also led Winona with 69 aces and 389 digs.
“Lexi has been our 5-1 setter for the past two years and will return in the same role this year,” Winona head coach Sarah West said. “She is our team captain and uses her exceptional volleyball IQ to run our offense. She does a great job seeing the other side of the court and setting our hitters up for success. In addition to setting, her serve is tough and often results in aces or keeping the other team out of system.”
Williams also earned all-state honors as a sophomore leading Winona in kills (384) and blocks (40).
“Taylor will return as a six-rotation athlete again this year,” West said. “Last season, she led the team in kills and blocks. She’s very quick out of the middle and her serve receive and defense are a huge asset to the team as well.”
Kile was second on the team in kills with 209.
“Sophie is also returning as a six-rotation player,” West said. “She is a solid all-around player, can hit the ball from anywhere on the court, and will put it wherever you tell her. Her consistency and accuracy make her a go-to player.”
Freshmen Sadie Kile (middle hitter), Lauren Martin (outside hitter), Bristol Lay (outside hitter) and Kylie Williams (right side) will all have big varsity roles this season.
“Our biggest strength for our team is that these girls have played a lot of volleyball and are all in,” West said. “They want to be in the gym, they want to improve, they want to win, and they are willing to put in the work it takes to get there. They are hungry for success and dedicated and it shows.”
Winona travels to Mountain Grove for a jamboree on Aug. 27 before opening the regular season on Aug. 31 at the Verona Tournament.
