By Kyle Troutman
The Cassville volleyball team has an extensive list of goals, but one in particular rises to the top — playing intentional volleyball with courage and tenacity.
Returning to accomplish that goal will be seven Lady Wildcats, including All-Conference junior Emerson Grossman, one senior and five juniors.
Paige Huddleston, Cassville volleyball coach, said the Lady Wildcats are a young group, but with loads of versatility.
“Having players that can play multiple positions on the court with equal levels of performance will separate us from opponents,” she said. “As a coach, I feel this dynamic is incredibly rare, and I am excited to see what we can do with it.”
Leading the Lady Wildcats will be Grossman and Dulce Rivera, the only senior on the squad.
“Emerson is growing into a solid six-rotation player and is learning how to embrace her role as a leader on our court,” Huddleston said. “Emerson is a very versatile player and has the ability to handle any role I give her. We will use her on the outside and in the middle or opposite depending on our opponents’ weapons.
“Dulce can fill any role for us and brings experience and high energy wherever she’s at on the court. Her communication on the floor helps her be a mentor for her teammates.”
Other juniors returning include Madison Halterman, Hailey Roark, Pazlee Burbridge, Audrey Gosvener and Josie Keeven.
“Madison’s court awareness and knowledge of the game have proven to be an asset to her teammates on the court,” Huddleston said. “Hailey benefits us as a utility player with her capability to play anywhere across the net or help in the back row when needed. Pazlee will be an asset for us as a middle blocker or potentially outside hitter. She will make a vast impact with her instinctive net play.
“Audrey is continuing to develop as a six-rotation player on the outside. She could also see time as a DS as her passing skills expand. Josie saw some time as a defensive specialist last season and could help us with her serving.”
Four more on the roster will add the depth needed to compete each night.
“Madelyn Holtmann, previously on JV, will be a junior,” Huddleston said. “She is a unique player that stands out because of her hard work and dedication to improve her skills. She will have an impact on our floor as a libero or defensive specialist. Makaiden Bolles, previously on JV, will be a sophomore. She is stepping into the role of middle blocker and although untested, her determination to improve will make her a key player for our team.
“Emma Pryor, an incoming freshman, is an uncut diamond with infinite potential. Her court awareness and hustle make her a standout as a setter. Kennedy Truman, another incoming freshman, is coming on strong as a libero or defensive specialist. Her patience and ability to read the opponents’ offense make her an asset to our team.”
The plethora of players is something Huddleston said gives the Lady Wildcats an edge. “Our biggest strengths are depth and versatility,” she said. “We have multiple options in every position as well as many adaptable players that can play in more than one position. This unique dynamic gives us options when playing different types of teams with differing offenses.”
Chemistry can also play a factor, and Huddleston said Cassville will have to stay positive to have success.
“Our biggest weakness is mental toughness,” she said. “Volleyball is a game of short bursts so the ability to bounce back in the lows and stay focused and aggressive in the highs is critical.”
Looking at the schedule, there is one match the Lady Wildcats hope to have healthy support.
“When I asked the girls [if they could pack the stands for any one game], their immediate response was Monett at home on Oct. 13. This is our senior night, and Monett has always been a rival.”
The Lady Wildcats are 1-5 this season, traveling to Hollister on Thursday and hosting Carthage on Sept. 13.
