By Chris Parker
Greenfield volleyball has won back-to-back district titles while posting back-to-back 18-win seasons. The Wildcats will be a junior-heavy team this year.
“Six of the returning seven players on our team will be juniors. They have been instrumental in our back-to-back district championships as underclassmen. They will have to take on leadership roles as well as play positions they haven’t played in the last two years. Confidence, communication and consistency will be key for this team,” Greenfield head coach Marla Kemp said.
The Wildcats will have to replace the production of graduated all-state player Morgan Wright. Wright led the team in kills and serve receptions last year.
“Morgan Wright will be continuing her volleyball career at Missouri Valley this fall. She has been a stat leader and floor captain for our team. Morgan brought confidence and leadership to the team that will be missed,” Kemp said.
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Tatum Torres will be one of those key juniors. She led Greenfield in aces (42), blocks (79) and digs (533) while finishing second in serve receptions (344) and kills (167).
“Tatum Torres has been instrumental in blocks and kills for our team for the last two years. Tatum has been working on timing and positioning as well as putting in extra time in the weight room to build strength,” Kemp said. “Tatum is going to need to play six rotations for us this year and will need to adjust to her role as a passer. We like to use Tatum in the middle but she also has a great outside hit.”
Marlie Wright will again orchestrate the offense in her junior year. She had 482 assists last season.
“Marlie Wright has run our offense for the last two seasons as our top setter. She keeps a quick tempo for our offense and makes smart choices as to where to set the ball or when to dump,” Kemp said. “Marlie is a strong blocker and we are looking for ways to utilize more of her skills by giving her time at outside hitter in addition to setting this year.”
Trista Torres (outside hitter), Haley Gossett (middle), Jasmine Feezell (setter/hitter) and Addison Kinder (outside hitter) round out the junior class.
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Jodie Lewis (outside hitter) will be the team’s lone senior.
“Our team’s biggest strength is athleticism and experience. These girls are quick with impressive verticals. Their volleyball IQ and understanding of the value of teamwork has grown significantly,” Kemp said. “For our team to be successful this year, the girls are going to have to trust the process of learning new roles and continue to work and grow together as a team.”
Greenfield opens the season on Aug. 28 at the Verona Invitational.
“My overall expectations for the team this year is to have a winning season and make a run for state,” Kemp said. “These girls haven’t been a strong tournament team the last few years, and I would like for them to change that this year.”
