By Chris Parker
Branson volleyball was a young team with just one senior last season, but that didn’t stop the Pirates from posting a winning record at 15-9-4.
“With having a younger team last year, these girls realized they can compete with anyone,” Branson head coach Francie McBride said. “We lost some close matches last year which has fueled their desire to be even more competitive this year.”
A wealth of experience including three all-conference players return this season.
Emma Skoglund, a William Penn commit, returns for her senior season. She led Branson in kills (273) and blocks (38) last season.
“Emma is a very driven player with a stellar work ethic,” McBride said. “She has put in countless hours in the off-season to be physically stronger and a better all-around volleyball player. Her commitment is unmatched, and she will be a steadfast leader for us this season. Emma can hit anywhere on the court and has a high volleyball IQ.”
Gigi McAdara earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior. She was second to Skoglund in both kills (217) and blocks (30) last season.
“Gigi has improved tremendously over the past few years,” McBride said. “She has great court awareness and uses her length to her advantage on offense. She is a versatile front-row player and has played all three positions the past two years and brings great experience.”
Kayden Butrum is the final returning all-conference player. The senior was named all-conference honorable mention after she led Branson in both digs (415) and serve receptions (411).
“Kayden is an excellent leader on and off the floor,” McBride said. “She spurs on our defense with her communication, high-level energy, and commitment and brings four-years of varsity experience.”
The final two returning seniors are Remington Holmes and Sarah Cox. Holmes is a team captain and a two-year letter winner. Cox is a utility player who brings energy, positivity and initiative to the program.
Juniors Erinn Swofford (setter), Joree McBride (OH/DS) and Bella Harmon also return. Swofford led the team in assists with 725 as a sophomore. McBride looks to be 100 percent healthy entering the season after fully recovering from a knee injury.
Several sophomores will look to find varsity time.
“We have a very athletic sophomore group this season who are expected to make an impact at the varsity level,” McBride said.
The roster is a close-knit one that has experience playing together.
“Our biggest strength is that these girls genuinely love playing the game of volleyball and they love playing it together and they want to see our program be successful,” Coach McBride said. “With how tight-knit they are I believe we are going to do big things and have lots of fun along the way.”
Branson travels to West Plains for a jamboree on Aug. 26. The jamboree will take place outside on the football field with Glendale and the host Zizzers. The Pirates open the regular season on Aug. 28 at Harrison (Ark.) before hosting their home invitational on Aug. 30.
