By Chris Parker
Galena volleyball has a new head coach in Joe Miller this season. He has 16 years of experience coaching volleyball at the club level.
“I was the assistant coach last year so I had the opportunity to work with most of this group and realized how special they are on and off the court, a great group of young ladies. I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to coach them again this season,” Miller said.
Galena’s top returning player from last season’s 18-13-2 squad is senior middle hitter Lexi Miller. She earned first-team all-conference honors. She led the Lady Bears in both kills 282 and total blocks 162.
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Jaelyn Cutbirth (senior setter/right side), Hailey Eutsler (senior outside hitter), Sierra Ledford (junior outside hitter/setter), Taylor Jones (sophomore defensive specialist/libero) and Rina Keltner (junior outside hitter) also return for Galena.
Ledford led the team in aces with 45 while finishing second in both kills (125) and assists (162). Cutbirth was the team’s leader in assist with 246.
Freshmen Kaesha Walters (middle hitter) and Bre Rice (right side hitter) along with junior defensive specialist Addison Baker are newcomers to the varsity level to watch.
“Our primary goal going into the season is to bring home a district championship,” Miller said. “We made a great improvement in our win/loss record last year so we are confident we can continue that upward trend this season.”
Galena opens the season on Aug. 29 at the Verona Invitational.
