By Chris Parker
Monett volleyball graduated four starting seniors from last year’s team, so the Lady Cubs will be looking for new players to step up this season.
Senior Kylie Knight will be a strong leader for Monett this year. She only played in 47 of a possible 70 sets last year, but was still able to lead Monett in kills with 154. The six-rotation outside hitter also led the team in serve receptions with 212.
“Kylie is fundamentally disciplined. She trains constantly on her technique with different coaches throughout SWMO, and she is constantly trying to improve,” Monett head coach Courtney Bauer said. “My expectations for her as a senior leader will be to lead our very young team, as we will start three or four freshman. She will have to be a role model on and off the court, as well as learn how to work as a teammate with a complete new set of girls on her team.”
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Emily Hinojosa will also provide leadership in her junior season. She brings consistent serve-receive passing and hitting.
A host of newcomers in sophomores Kylene Williams (middle hitter), Emmah Mayberry (setter), Kailey Medlock (libero) and freshmen Karlee McCallister (middle hitter), Lexie Jones (setter) and Laira Jones (opposite) will be relied upon for key varsity contributions.
“Each of these players will have to step up in every imaginable way possible this year. We graduated four starting seniors last year, which has left this 2021 year full of room for the younger players to step up and make a difference on this team,” Bauer said. “They each will be developing their role and impact through the whole season that they can carry out through their remaining years as a Volleyball Cub.”
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Monett will travel to Marionville on Aug. 23 for a jamboree with Diamond, Crane and the host Lady Comets. The Lady Cubs will open the regular season on Aug. 30 at Crane.
“Every year our overall expectations are to hit our team goals, every night we touch the court,” Bauer said. “If we stay mentally focused on our goals the rest will fall into place.”
