By Chris Parker
Bolivar improved from four wins two years ago to 15 wins last year in the first year under coach Tony Phelps. The Liberators were a young squad featuring just two seniors, so expect even more from Bolivar this year.
“They were so young (last year). This summer I have noticed they have gotten a little bigger and a little more serious,” Phelps said. “That is pretty exciting to see them mature. We are excited not only about this year but the next two or three.”
The two seniors Bolivar graduated were Emma Larimore and Lily Shepard. Larimore earned all-state honors for her work defensively leading Bolivar in digs and serve-receives.
“She was a leader and fantastic player,” Phelps said. “Her leadership respected her enormously.”
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The returning players are led by senior setter Hallie Tucker. She is entering her third season on varsity. Last year, Tucker was responsible for 710 of Bolivar’s 754 total assists.
“Her skill level is so high. I give her all the freedom in the world,” Phelps said. “She mixes it up so well, and she knows where she needs to go depending on where the pass is at without hesitation. She can say anything and the world stops and they listen to her. She is so highly respected.”
She has a deep group of hitters to distribute the ball to led by sophomores Dailynn VanDeren and Cora Roweton. VanDeren (left side) led the team with 218 total kills last year. Roweton (middle and six rotation player) was second on the team with 186 kills.
“They (VanDeren & Roweton) were good athletes to begin with and the door was wide open for them to come in to play,” Phelps said. “We never expected the two of them would go 1-2 on our team in kills, but that is exactly what happened. They have both improved so much. They are just amazing. They are going to be forces for sure.”
Junior Rachel Carr (left side) and senior Trinity Williamson (middle) also return to give Bolivar its four top hitters back. Carr posted 173 kills last year in addition to being one of the team’s best servers with 35 aces. Williamson had 138 kills and 54 blocks.
“We don’t have a weak spot in the hitting rotation,” Phelps said. “We can go to just about anybody and have a good chance to score. That is a wonderful thing to have.”
Juniors Grace Hampton and Allison Butler along with senior Emma Kirklin will be key players on the back row. Faith Kuhn will move up to varsity in her junior year and play on the right side.
Phelps expects a big season with all of the returning talent the Liberators have this season.
“If we don’t have a winning season this year I will be really disappointed,” Phelps said. “I think we could be over 20 wins. It is not going to be easy. We play a lot of tough competition.”
Bolivar opens the season on Sept. 1 at home against Osceola.
