By Chris Parker

Fall 2019 Preview: Nixa Volleyball

By Chris Parker

Nixa fielded one of the area’s youngest teams last year, but it didn’t show in the results. The Lady Eagles won 22 matches and advance to a district title game where they fell to Ozark.

As a result of that youth, few teams in the area are as loaded as Nixa is this season, and the loss in the district championship game has weighed heavily upon the minds of the Lady Eagles.

“The sting of that disappointment has been a huge motivation for us this summer. They remember how they felt in the locker room after that match and they are committed to putting in the work they know it will take to get another shot at a district title,” Nixa head coach Annie Zimmerman said.

Four all-conference and two all-state players return to the Eagles. The top of that group are seniors Jordan Collard and Kenzie Hines, who were first-team all-conference and all-state last year. Hines and Collard finished second and third for Nixa last year with 182 and 175 kills, respectively. Hines led the team in aces (29), second in digs (225) and third in serve-receives (194). Collard led the Lady Eagles in blocks (31), second in serve-receives (222) and third in digs (207).

“The expectations for Kenzie and Jordan are high because they have two solid years of varsity experience under their belt coming into this season,” Zimmerman said. “Jordan is extremely athletic at the net. She does a great job transitioning from defense to offense and making herself available as a middle hitter in our offense. Kenzie has tremendous court awareness; she is able to recognize what opposing defenses are trying to take away and has the ability to mix up her shots accordingly.”

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Fellow senior Lexie Gregory led Nixa in digs with 408 in 2018. She was named second-team all-conference for her efforts. The senior also led Nixa in serve-receives with 399.

“Her (Gregory’s) speed and quickness allows her to cover so much court. I love the energy she brings to our team and her ‘never give up on a ball’ mentality. Those things are contagious and serve as a great example for the younger players in our program,” Zimmerman said. “The growth I’ve noticed from her this summer has been her control. Not only is she able to make great defensive plays, she is keeping more and more balls in system which allows us to run a quicker offense.”

Sophomore Sydney Golden is Nixa’s final returning all-conference selection. She was named second-team all-conference as a freshman after posting 617 assists last season.

“Sydney is an extremely mature and focused player for her age. I think from the moment she entered our high school program last summer, her approach to the game earned respect from the older players in our program. She has a lot more confidence in herself coming into this season. I think that confidence paired with a better understanding of her responsibilities as a setter, will create a special season for her and her teammates,” Zimmerman said.

Seniors Alexis Adams (defensive specialist) and Lauren Weber (outside hitter) along with junior Taylor Golmen (middle hitter) and sophomore Jaycee Fixsen (outside hitter) also return to the varsity lineup. Camryn Carter will also made an impact as an outside hitter in her senior season.

Nixa’s senior class has four verbal commitments in Carter (Central Methodist), Collard (William Jewell), Gregory (University of Central Arkansas) and Hines (Rockhurst).

“Expectations are always high. I think the thing I’m most excited about this season is the opportunity to work with this group of players every day. They are so much fun to coach. They work hard, they’re great teammates to one another and they share the same vision for where we want our team to go,” Zimmerman said.

Nixa will travel to Ozark on Aug. 26 for a jamboree with the host Lady Tigers, Carl Junction and Glendale. The Lady Eagles open the regular season on Sept. 5 at home against Glendale.