By Chris Parker
Nixa volleyball has developed into one of the area’s premier programs over the past couple years. Two years ago the Lady Eagles won 34 matches and the Class 4 state championship. Last year, Nixa proved the state title wasn’t a fluke by winning 33 matches and finishing runner-up in Class 5.
It would be easy for a team to be overwhelmed by expectations after a two-year run featuring a 77-8 record and two state championship match appearances. For Nixa volleyball, they are only focused on what is ahead.
“Regardless of the prior season’s outcome, we strive to keep the expectations within our program consistent year to year. We recognize expectations only exist in our mind and we want our mindset to reflect the work we are putting in every day,” Nixa head coach Annie Zimmerman said. “I have no doubt we will see the best from every single team we play.”
Two all-state players return for Nixa in seniors Sydney Golden and Jaycee Fixsen.
Golden, who is a setter, re-wrote state record books last year. She set the single-season assist record with a staggering 1,163. She also posted the top three single-match records for assists in state history.
“(Golden has) athleticism, physical strength, a deep desire to make the players around her better, knowledge of the game and court awareness. (She is) one of the most driven players I’ve ever had the opportunity to coach,” Zimmerman said. “Sydney has always been a lead by example type of player so I expect her to continue setting the bar high for the other players in our program.”
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Golden also had 319 digs and 37 aces last year. She has committed to play collegiately at the University of Northern Iowa.
Fixsen was the team’s top hitter last year with 438 total kills in 108 sets last season. The outside hitter who could also contribute as a right side or middle blocker also led Nixa in aces (41), digs (399) and serve receptions (573) last season.
“Jaycee wants to be pushed and she doesn’t shy away or make excuses in challenging situations,” Zimmerman said. “I want Jaycee to continue developing as a player. I want her to leave our program with as many tools in her toolbox as possible so she is prepared to play at the next level.”
Both Golden and Fixsen will be team leaders this year along with fellow seniors Allie Billmyer, Jena Medearis and Addison Taui.
Billmyer, who is an outside hitter, is working to become a six-rotation player this year. She had 232 kills last year. Medearis, a middle blocker, was second on the team in blocks last year with 28 to go with her 145 kills. Taui is a defensive specialist who had 37 aces and 274 digs last season.
Juniors Norah Clark (right side) and Emma Conrad (defensive specialist) also return to the lineup. Clark brings size and athleticism to the front row. She contributed 85 kills last year.
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Hillary Estes (junior middle blocker) and Maddie Golmen (junior outside hitter) will be newcomers to the lineup.
Experience will be a strength for the Lady Eagles this year.
“We return seven players from last year’s varsity team so I think having that many players on the court with a good amount of experience will be extremely helpful,” Zimmerman said.
Nixa will jamboree at Kickapoo on Aug. 24 with Carl Junction, Ozark and the host Lady Chiefs. The jamboree starts at 5 pm. Nixa opens the season on Aug. 28 at home against Fayetteville.
