Purdy volleyball senior Rylee Stanford was in fourth grade the last time the Lady Eagles won a district title, and she and new Head Coach Barry Wheeler aim to lead Purdy back to postseason glory and revive a program that has not had a winning season since 2015.
Wheeler, who brings nearly four decades of club, high school and collegiate coaching experience to Purdy, said the Lady Eagles’ best quality this season is their effort on the floor.
“We may not the the prettiest playing bunch, but the effort they display is enjoyable to watch,” Wheeler said. “Come watch us play. I am pretty sure you will leave impressed with these young ladies.”
Leading the squad this year are three returning letterwinners in Stanford, junior Zoey Webb and junior Brooklyn Bunch.
“Rylee holds herself and others to a high standard,” Wheeler said. “She sets the tone for the day and gives maximum effort every day. She has valuable insight she shares during our team meetings. She’s also very athletic and gets a big load in our defense.
“Zoey is very quick with nice hands and controls the flow of the game. She is also a strong leader. Brooklyn is one of our top passers and is adjusting well to playing middle hitter. She is a very positive player.”
Newcomers making an impact this season number four: senior Lauren Brooks, junior Gracie Patton, sophomore Lucy Lee and freshman Lizett Aldava.
“Lauren shares the offensive load on the outside. She is a very strong server and holds her own defensively. Gracie is a quick blocker at the net and consistent passer. She is very energetic.
“Lucy is a solid technical player and serves as our Libero. She is a tough server. Lizett had loads of energy and is consistently improving each match. She is a very consistent hitter on the right side.”
Wheeler said a strength early on for the team has been serving, giving full effort and playing together with strong chemistry. Ball control and passing are areas in which the team aims to improve.
The Lady Eagles started the season against mixed competition in the Verona Invitational, splitting games for ties with McAuley Catholic and Southwest, and falling to Miller, Lockwood and Greenfield. The first win on the season came at home on Sept. 7, a 3-1 (25 -19, 25-18, 16-25, 26-24) victory over district opponent Verona.
With most district teams about 10 games in, Thomas Jefferson and College Heights are the only two above .500, with Exeter, Verona and Wheaton still winless, and McAuley at 4-7-4.
Wheeler said the Lady Eagles have one major goal this season, to reach the district championship match. At the pace Purdy is playing, Wheeler is excited for that prospect.
“What sets this team apart is the effort they put in going for the impossible ball,” he said. “They are willing to learn a lot of new things very quickly and are lots of fun to coach.”
Purdy hosts McAuley Catholic on Thursday, set to start at 5:30 p.m.
