Fall 2024 Preview: Reeds Spring Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Reeds Spring Volleyball returns five players who played in most sets last season.

This group, along with the freshmen, have focused on improving their play in the offseason to help Reeds Spring rebound from its first sub-.500 season since 2017.

“Our team's greatest strength this year is their dedication and drive to improve,” said Reeds Spring head coach Addison Parish. “This group has a relentless work ethic and a drive for excellence. They are not satisfied with just being good enough; instead, they strive to improve their skills and performance every day. Every time they practice in the gym, they are determined to make progress, with each player trying to improve by just 1% every time they step on the court.”

Veteran outside hitter Shelby Evans leads the returning players after leading the Wolves with 342 kills last season.

“Shelby Evans will play an important role as one of our main hitters and one of the six rotation players,” Parish said. “Her presence in the front and back row will ensure she remains a consistent attacking threat.”

Cailyn Kite played in all 89 sets last season and will be the libero. She had 219 serves and 144 digs last season.

“Cailyn Kite will impact the team with her reliable passing and leadership; her vocal presence and consistency on the field make her a key piece of the team,” Parish said.

Leah Irvin (last year's middle blocker), Brooklyn Fuller (last year's outside hitter) and Kylie Fitzwater (last year's middle blocker/right side) also return after all playing between 43 and 68 of the 89 varsity sets last season.

Parish on Irvin: “Leah Irvin is a versatile middle blocker who can attack from a variety of positions. She will create one-on-one opportunities for the pin hitters by challenging the opposing middle.”

Parish on Fuller: “Brooklyn Fuller, one of the six rotation players, provides flexibility with her ability to play multiple positions and thus contributes to the team's adaptability.”

Parish on Fitzwater: “Kylie Fitzwater offers versatility as a middle blocker and right tackle. She again provides speed from the middle and opposite pin. Each of these returning players will have a significant impact on the team's performance and cohesion on the court.”

Blaiklee Cagle (experienced defensive specialist), Faith McMurdo (experienced setter), Emma Thompson (junior middle blocker/right side) and Chloe Kugler (sophomore setter) are freshmen on the varsity team.

Parish on Cagle: “Blaiklee Cagle stands out for her exceptional work ethic and effort. Her contributions will be valuable in strengthening our defense, especially when it comes to keeping the ball up and playable.”

Parish on McMurdo: “Faith McMurdo brings a great understanding of the game and is a strategic setter. She creates effective one-on-one opportunities for her hitters by reading the opposing defense.”

Parish on Thompson: “Emma Thompson brings power and presence with her strong arm and effective block.”

Parish on Kugler: “Chloe Kugler is developing her skills and playing a key role in creating opportunities for her hitters.”

A focus of Reeds Spring will be improving consistency.

“Our team needs to focus on improving our consistency by staying 'in system' on both serving and defense,” Parish said. “This will give us the opportunity to develop effective and aggressive offensive strategies. But volleyball is all about getting people out of system, so it's critical that we develop the skills to remain an offensive threat even when we're out of system. If we can be effective both in system and out of system, we can take advantage of every opportunity and maintain a high level of play all season long.”

Reeds Spring travels to Willard on August 27 for a jamboree with Willard, Springfield Catholic and Licking. The Wolves open the regular season on August 31 at the Branson Tournament.

“The overall expectation for the team this year is to continually focus on improving their skills and understand the value of hard work,” Parish said. “While winning games and districts is certainly a goal, we want to continue to develop a strong work ethic and dedication to improvement. With consistent effort and a drive for personal and team growth, the wins will come naturally. We want the team to continue the process of improvement and realize that their hard work leads to better performance on the court and ultimately contributes to their success throughout the season.”