By Chris Parker
Central volleyball has a new head coach in Bri Walsh. Walsh comes to Central after serving as an assistant coach at Missouri State-West Plains from 2014-20.
“I love the diversity and opportunity I have to build relationships with students and athletes from all different backgrounds. Going into my first head coaching job, I knew I wanted a challenge and I wanted a group of players who could immediately jump on board with my vision, and I believe I have found that at Central. This is a great group of young ladies who I look forward to working with every day,” Walsh said.
She takes over a volleyball program that is on the rise. The Lady Bulldogs finished 12-15 overall last year, but they were able to claim the program’s first district title since 1978. Most of the talent from that team is back, as Central had just one senior on the roster last season.
“This team is going to be fun to watch. We have a strong group returning who are ready to put the work in. They overcame a lot of obstacles to do what they did last year,” Walsh said. “This group of kids is changing the culture and redefining what Central volleyball looks like. There is a solid group of seniors who are setting a great example for the underclassman.”
Senior Arden Below was named first-team all-conference last year after she led the Lady Bulldogs in kills (123) and finished second on the team in aces (21), blocks (15), digs (139) and assists (164). She will play setter and opposite.
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“Arden is the definition of a leader. She has such a light about her that is undeniable. Her teammates trust her and her decision making. I am very excited to see what we can do this season with her helping run our offense,” Walsh said. “Arden is not only a great setter but can also pound the ball! She will be a go-to hitter for us this year.”
Coco Buschhorn (sophomore setter/opposite), Meghan Grone (sophomore outside hitter), Holland Hawkins (senior libero), Phoebe Riddle (senior middle blocker) and Miliana Sylvester (sophomore middle blocker) also return.
Walsh on Buschhorn: “Coco will help run our offense this season alongside Arden. She is confident in her setting abilities and knows what it takes to win. She is a hard worker and is stepping into a leadership role for this team.”
Walsh on Grone: “Meghan is a great ball control player who consistently does her job. She is someone who can score on both the front row and the back row. I love how coachable she is.”
Walsh on Hawkins: “Holland is constantly working to improve and ask questions to better her game. She is a natural competitor who will no doubt lead our defense this season.”
Walsh on Riddle: “Phoebe has a contagious personality that her teammates love. She is a constant voice and presence when she is on the front row. She is a great leader for this team. I am very excited to see what she does this season.”
Walsh on Sylvester: “Mili is a natural athlete with an extremely high ceiling. She is long and jumps very well. She will be a very big piece of our offense this season.”
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Central added a transfer from Glendale in Seriyah Mccaw. Sophomore Blakely True is a sophomore who could impact varsity.
“She (Mccaw) will see some varsity time this season. She has a very even keel personality when she plays and knows how to take care of the ball,” Walsh said. “Blakely True is a sophomore and will also see some varsity time this year. She is a great blocker and takes a high swing that will be beneficial for us against big teams.”
Versatility will be a strength for Central.
“We have a lot of dynamic hitters on this team who can play multiple positions and swing from anywhere,” Walsh said. “I am hopeful with the setters we have that we can run an effective offense this season.”
Conditioning will be a staple of Walsh’s program at Central.
“You never want to be at a disadvantage in a game because you feel like the other team is in better shape than you. It is my job to make sure that doesn’t happen. Conditioning is going to be a part of what we do on a daily basis. That’s where you find out who is going to go to battle with you,” Walsh said.
Central will host Hollister, Lebanon and Strafford for a jamboree at 6 pm on Aug. 25. The Lady Bulldogs open the season on Aug. 28 at the Branson Invitational.
