By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Carl Junction enjoyed a successful season in 2024 – the program’s fifth-straight with at least 20 wins.
The Bulldogs recorded a 24-7 record, falling to Marshfield in the Class 4 District 6 tournament.
Heading into the fall campaign, the team welcomes new head coach Bradyn Webb into the fold.
Webb, a former Carl Junction player and assistant coach, will look to a trio of seniors to lead the program this season in Jadyn Howard, Maddy Huffman and Anna Lewis.
“Jadyn was our 5-1 setter and we are excited to see where she leads us this year,” Webb said. “Maddy will be a big piece in our offense this year. She brings a lot of energy and excitement to our court. Anna will be returning and competing for a libero spot. She played in a defensive specialist position and showed great consistency last year.”
In addition to her returning players, Webb expects a trio of varsity newcomers to step in and make an immediate impact on the roster in sophomore outside hitter/right side Kate Odaffer, junior libero Grace Carrier and junior right side Caitlyn Kennedy.
“All three of these girls are very dedicated and play at a high level in club and we have seen that carry over in our practices this summer,” Webb said.
With plenty of talent on the roster, Webb believes her squad will be extremely versatile this season and pressure opposing defenses.
“We have multiple kids who can play six rotations,” Webb said. “We will be able to spread our offense this year. Every front row and back row attacker will be an option for us at all times.”
Believing the mantra iron sharpens iron, Webb has strengthened Carl Junction’s schedule this season in hopes of having her squad battle-tested come post season tourney time.
“We expect our kids to compete every time they step on the court,” Webb said. “We have a lot of new faces on the court this year. We need to build their confidence. We have added higher level team this year to prepare us for the high level of competition postseason brings.”
Following an Aug. 26 jamboree at Clever, Carl Junction opens its season Sep. 2 at Carthage.
