By Josh Hall
Lauren Dorris is looking to establish a new transition at Branson as she enters her first season as the head volleyball coach.
Dorris graduated from Hillcrest High School and played volleyball at Drury for four years. She was previously the head coach at Holden High School after beginning her career as an assistant at McNeeese State University.
Dorris takes over for Becky Lipasek, who announced her retirement in January. Lipasek compiled a 577-236-44 record in 27 years as a head coach. She spent the last three years at Branson where she compiled a 53-39-6 record.
Dorris takes over a 2016 team that went 18-14-3 after falling to Ozark in a Class 4, District 11 semifinal.
“This season our expectations are establishing a new tradition with Branson volleyball,” Dorris said. “We want to continue to compete at a high level, but also raise a lot of our personal goals, as well as our team goals.”
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Right now, the Lady Pirates are in the process stage that will lead up to what Dorris hopes to see on the court once the season starts.
Branson played in various leagues and camps throughout the summer. The Lady Pirates worked diligently on individual technique at position-specific areas.
“So far, it’s coming a long really, really well,” Dorris said. “The girls have really bought in to my expectations for our program. We are teaching my basic expectations, and like I said, they’ve bought in and our ready to compete. It’s been really nice to see how there comradery has come together.”
Leading this year’s team will be hitters Carline Clifford and Jaden Moore, setter Grace Dean, and defensive players Kyli Nimmo and Keaton Wilznski.
