Big expectations for WCHS Volleyball
The expectations have changed inside Charlie Dalton Gym.
A year ago, the Lady Pioneers entered the season hoping to prove they could compete with the top volleyball programs in District 7-AAA. By October, they had done much more than that, finishing 16-10 overall, placing third in one of the state's toughest districts and showing Warren County volleyball was no longer simply trying to keep pace.
Now, it’s time to see if Warren County can making more strides this season.
The Lady Pioneers officially opened preseason practice Monday, beginning the final stretch before the regular season with a veteran roster, a talented and emerging sophomore class and a program that believes its best volleyball is still ahead.
"Our team this year is certainly accustomed to the level of competition we see regularly throughout our season," said coach Erin Blalock. "With only two new players, the team has an understanding of what it's going to take to be successful in our uber competitive district."
That familiarity is one of Warren County's greatest strengths.
Seventeen of the 18 players on this year's roster have already worn a Lady Pioneer uniform (Freshmen Tenlee Medley was a standout for the WCMS Lady Pioneers last year), giving Blalock one of the most experienced groups she's coached. The lone newcomer to town is sophomore Elliana Heintz, a transfer from Arizona who has already turned heads during the summer with her athleticism and ability to attack the ball.
But experience alone won't get Warren County where it wants to go - finding the right chemistry will.
"We've seen so much growth already from last season and new roles and new players bring an exciting element to the team," said Blalock. "It's always hard to gauge until we get on the court across the net from teams other than each other, and that's why we've got these two weekends coming up . . . to get an idea of how our girls are going to play together."
"We've got really talented players, but the key to volleyball is getting the chemistry right on the court. It's been encouraging so far to see them work together on the court, talk about how we and they individually can improve and fix mistakes, and continue to build each other up in the process."
Replacing last year's senior class is the first challenge.
Lola Wells graduated after earning all-district honors as one of the team's most complete players, capable of making an impact from virtually every position on the floor. Samantha Saldana brought valuable size and physicality to the front row, Hope Gilley quietly became one of the team's glue players on the back row and Abigail Brown directed the offense as the team's setter.
Those four helped lay the foundation for one of the best seasons in recent program history. Now the responsibility shifts to a new group of leaders.
Aubrey Oleksik and Ali Young headline the senior class after both earned all-district honors a season ago. Oleksik has developed into one of the Midstate's most versatile players, equally comfortable attacking at the net or contributing in the back row. Young enters her senior season as a two-time all-district selection whose defensive instincts and consistency have made her one of the district's top back-row players. She’s also one of the team’s top servers, capable of going on long runs that can flip the game in an instant.
Joining them are Alyssa Boyd and Jenna Mullins, two seniors Blalock says have embraced expanded leadership responsibilities.
"We have four seniors this year who are already leading this team in incredible ways," said Blalock. "Aubrey and Ali both have significant varsity experience and we expect them to continue leading both on and off the court. Jenna and Alyssa have both stepped into new roles this year and are already leading the younger players and helping prepare them for what it takes to be successful."
The next wave of contributors isn't far behind.
Juniors Brynlee Chisam, Stella Dunn, Leah Mara and Natalie Payne all return after earning valuable varsity experience over the last two seasons.
Payne, in particular, gives Warren County another imposing presence at the net after continuing to develop into one of the team's top middle blockers. Chisam's versatility allows Blalock to move her around the floor when needed, though she’s already shown she’s extremely capable of being a threat at the net. Mara, a setter in the past, has adapted to a new role entering her junior season and Dunn's energy has made her one of the emotional sparks for the Lady Pioneers, whether she's on the floor or cheering from the bench.
"Our junior class is full of so much potential and can make significant contributions to our team," said Blalock.
One member of the junior class won't be on the court this fall, but Blalock expects her influence to be just as important.
Presley Winfree suffered a torn ACL during basketball camp earlier this summer and will miss volleyball season. Rather than losing one of her leaders entirely, Blalock believes Winfree's voice will become another asset.
"Presley is recovering from her surgery and feeling okay," said Blalock. "We are really looking forward to having her with us on the sidelines, helping us see the court and coaching up her teammates. She was always great at those things anyway, but this season, her role is going to be incredibly important to our team."
Pictures from the first day of WCHS practice Monday, featuring Tenlee Medley, Slaon Youngblood, Kate Williams, Maelee Turner, Natalie Payne and seniors Ali Young and Aubrey Oleksik.
While the upperclassmen provide stability, the Lady Pioneers' ceiling may ultimately be raised by a sophomore class that has already proven it isn't intimidated by varsity competition.
Sloan Youngblood burst onto the scene as a freshman and quickly became one of the area's most dangerous hitters. Reese Reinitz and Maelee Turner also carved out major roles by the end of the season despite battling injuries during their first varsity campaigns. Turner earned District 7-AAA all-tournament honors after excelling as one of Warren County's setters during the postseason.
Reinitz and Turner were back on the practice floor in braces Monday, but were moving with no resistance as they could be the setters responsible for allowing Youngblood and Heintz to attack from the outside this fall. All four could be in the starting lineup by the start of the season on the varsity side.
"The sophomore class is full of talent and they will no doubt make great impacts to our team this season," said Blalock. "We are looking forward to seeing their growth as the season progresses."
The rest of the sophomore class gives Blalock enviable depth.
Caroline Boyd is expected to split time between the varsity and junior varsity while competing for minutes in the middle. Ella Wells and Kate Williams have continued earning the coaching staff's trust with their volleyball IQ and ability to make adjustments during matches. McKenzie Hillis provides another versatile front-row option capable of playing multiple positions.
Freshman Tenlee Medley rounds out the varsity roster after impressing throughout the summer.
"Tenlee, our lone freshman, surprises us almost daily with her aggressive play and improvement already over the summer," said Blalock.
The next two weekends should provide Warren County with its first real measuring stick.
The Lady Pioneers host the Tree City Playday Saturday at Charlie Dalton Gym, welcoming Cascade, Coffee County, Franklin County, Tullahoma and Boyd Christian for a full day of volleyball. Warren County opens against Cascade at 8 a.m., faces Tullahoma at 9:15 a.m., Coffee County at 11:45 a.m. and Franklin County at 1 p.m.
The following weekend, the Lady Pioneers will travel to Gatlinburg for the Attack at the Rock Playday before turning their attention to the regular season.
For Blalock, wins and losses over the next two weekends won't be the primary focus - Finding the right combinations will.
"We just talked yesterday about the 'We, not Me' mentality and we've got a team again this year that is all in for the team and are ready to do what it takes to make the team the best we can be," said Blalock.
"Ultimately, we are trying to build chemistry among the team both on and off the court. We have set the expectations high and they've really set those same expectations for themselves. It's one of the most uplifting and positive teams we've had, and we are excited to see what this season brings."
