By Chris Parker
Crane volleyball has a new head coach in Nikki Kennedy this season.
Kennedy has experience coaching at the youth level for the past 10 years along with coaching in the Aurora school district for three years.
“I have grown up around this area my whole life,” Kennedy said. “I went to Crane school for a year when I was younger, so it has always held a piece of my heart and I am excited to bring some of my love for the game to our Lady Pirate athletes.”
She inherits a program coming off a 14-21-2 season looking for the program’s first above .500 record since 2020.
The Lady Pirates will have a versatile lineup in Kennedy’s first season as head coach.
“All of our varsity players can play all six rotations and play multiple positions,” Kennedy said. “If we need to change things up this team is eager and will do whatever possible to get the job done.”
Seniors Hunter Cleveland, Allie Frieze and Ryah Hardin return.
Kennedy on Cleveland: “Hunter Cleveland will be taking on a new role this year. She was the setter for the team last season. We are looking for her to dominate the net for us. She is capable of being one of our big hitters this season.”
Kennedy on Frieze: “Allie Frieze will be a great asset to our back row. She can get the ball to target and is becoming great at her back row attack game.”
Kennedy on Hardin: “Ryah Hardin will be our lib this season. Her willingness to learn and positive attitude is what can hold a team together.”
Juniors Harper White and Bella Galloway also return.
“White played as a middle last season and moving to an outside this season. She has a strong swing and a high volleyball IQ that is going to help us be competitive this year,” Kennedy said. “Galloway is a very versatile player that can be put in any position on the floor and excel at it.”
Senior Lily Woodward returns to the team after taking a year off. Sophomore Maya Minton will see a big role as a setter this season. Freshman Abbie Wells will look to make an immediate varsity impact. Ella Rogers and Ellie Metcalf will also look for varsity playing time.
“This is my first-year coaching for the Lady Pirates. We have new players coming into play. We are in a rebuilding year,” Kennedy said. “Once these girls know their potential, they will be unstoppable. We have spent time over the summer getting to know each other and learning. I know that will only get stronger throughout the season.”
Adrieanna Morgan, Julia Kerr, Destiny Kerr, Kaiden Rasmussen, Peyton Cutbirth, Laynie Glossip, Yesenia Minton, Kaylee Enochs and Madyson Pippin also will be on the roster.
Crane will travel to Diamond on Aug. 26 for a jamboree with the host Wildcats, Monett and Marionville. Crane opens the regular season Sept. 2 at Monett.
“I have all the confidence in this team,” Kennedy said. “They are such an athletic group. They will do great things not only on the court but off the court also. My expectations are to compete and grow in every game.”
