By Chris Parker
Waynesville volleyball doubled its win total for the second straight year last season going from three wins in 2017 to six wins in 2018 to 12 wins in 2019.
“The past few years the vision has been to change the culture of the program and I believe we are beginning to see the shift,” Waynesville head coach Megan Callis said. “The girls are putting in the time and work in the off-season and their hard work is showing when they step on the court.”
This year, Waynesville has six potential returning starters in Aldon Pilz (senior) Sydney Kunnemann (senior) Jordan Harpel (senior) Shannon Morrison (senior) Madie Dye (junior) and Mary Henry (junior).
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Kunnenmann led Waynesville in both assists (217) and aces (29) last year. Pilz was second on the team in kills (72), aces (23) and assists (143) while also contributing 127 digs.
This year that returning group will have to get used to longer matches, as Missouri will switching from a best-of-three to best-of-five set format.
“It could potentially make for later nights, but I feel that it is a long time coming,” Callis said. “Other states already play three out of five sets as does the college level. I feel that it will definitely better prepare the girls who plan to play at the next level.”
Callis has a simple goal for her girls this year.
“(I want them) to continue to grow as a team and a program,” Callis said.
Waynesville opens the season on Aug. 28 at home against Jefferson City.
