By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Lebanon volleyball team turned heads last fall, as a senior-heavy roster led the club to a 24-win season.
Now that those six players have graduated, a largely new cast looks to build on that success.
“We’re focused on building unstoppable momentum — one that fuels our confidence, energy and teamwork,” Lebanon coach Jenny Collins said. “This momentum will give us a winning edge by keeping us locked in, resilient and always ready to outwork our opponents. When we move forward together with that drive, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”
With many of Lebanon’s players set to get their first taste of varsity action this fall, the team’s success will hinge on how quickly the group can learn, grow and gel together.
It may not be instant — but Collins believes the lessons ahead could shape something special.
“I am most excited to see this team’s growth over the next few months,” Collins said. “With a relatively young group, every practice and match provides an opportunity to learn and take continued steps forward. I’m looking forward to watching players embrace their roles and rise to challenges.”
As the Yellowjackets look to establish their identity, they will lean on their two players with the most varsity experience — senior outside hitter Lily Waterman and sophomore middle hitter Liv Ahmann.
Waterman ranked fifth on the teams in digs (175) and receptions (87).
“Her steady presence on the court and ability to contribute in all six rotations make her a key asset to our team,” Collins said. “Whether she’s passing, attacking or defending, Lily brings a calm, focused energy that we can always rely on.”
The 6-foot Ahmann led the team with 78 blocks as a freshman.
“She brings a commanding presence at the net and we’re counting on her to be a primary force in the offense out of the middle,” Collins said. “With her size and potential, she has the ability to change the game by putting up a strong block and delivering key kills. Liv’s continued growth and confidence will be vital to our success this season.”
Most everyone else on the roster will be varsity newcomers, although five are seniors who were previously stuck behind the Class of 2025 on the depth chart.
“I’m excited to see the growth from our seniors,” Collins said. “Their journey speaks to perseverance and belief in the process and now — after being behind a strong upper-class group — I’m looking forward to getting to watch them seize the opportunity to lead and make their own mark on the program. “
The Class of 2026 includes setters Baylyn Williams and Zoey Durbin, libero Addi Dent, right side Jaylin Keller and middle hitter/right side Keira Reid.
Collins on Williams: “Baylyn Williams brings grit, toughness, and a defense-first mentality as a setter that sets the tone for our team. She isn’t afraid to get on the floor, a trait that sparks the scrappy, relentless defensive identity we take pride in.”
Collins on Durbin: “Zoey Durbin continues to grow in a setter role and is focused on improving the consistency and confidence in her game. She sees the court well and makes smart choices that put her hitters in good positions to score”
Collins on Dent: “Addi holds herself to a high standard, knowing that her first contact is crucial to setting the tone for our offense. Her adaptability, leadership and strong work ethic in this position will make her an anchor within our defense.”
Collins on Keller: “Jaylyn Keller brings a calm and composed presence to the court, which I think will be a trait needed with an overall young varsity roster lineup. Though not the tallest player, her ability to quickly turn on the ball, find smart angles and utilize the off-speed will help her be an effective attacker on the right side pin.”
Collins on Reid: “Keira Reid joins us as a move-in senior and brings solid potential to the front row. She will primarily contribute from the middle or right side pin and she’s been working hard to build confidence in running a faster-paced offense. Keira is an explosive jumper and we’re eager to capitalize on that to add more of a solid block on the front row.”
Sophomores Harper Starnes, Rikki Reimers and Anora Haney and freshman Kenzie Uder will also look to play their way into the rotation.
Collins on Starnes: “With her ability to jump set, she’s developing into a more deceptive and dynamic playmaker. Harper isn’t afraid to take risks and challenge hitters, often opting for the aggressive choices over the easy play — making her have an impactful presence on the court.”
Collins on Reimers: “Rikki Reimers has the versatility and athleticism to make an impact at any position across the front row. She is developing the tools to become a key offensive weapon. As her confidence continues to grow, Rikki has the potential to be a dominant presence in our attack and a solid contributor to the team’s success this season.”
Collins on Haney: “Anora Haney is eager to learn and constantly growing with every rep out of the middle hitter position. She takes feedback to heart, showing noticeable improvement each time she steps on the court. She will be ready when called upon.”
Collins on Uder: “She embraces the competitive grind of varsity play and thrives in those high-level moments. Defensively, Kenzie consistently finds ways to stand out with her grit and hustle, while offensively, she takes fearless swings. Her willingness to compete will make her a valuable asset on the floor this season.”
Despite the roster turnover, expectations for the incoming players remain high.
“We will not use our youth as an excuse and will expect to compete in every match,” Collins said. “At the end of the season if we can honestly say that we gave our best effort every day, supported one another selflessly and stayed committed to improving as individuals and as a team, then we’ve succeeded.”
The Yellowjackets will travel to Central for an August 27 jamboree with the hosts, Strafford and Hollister. They will open the regular season on August 30 at the Branson Invitational.
“Over the next couple of months, I hope that we become tougher, more confident in our abilities and more united than we were at the start,” Collins said. “It’s important to look back on a season regardless of record and say that we put forth a season we can be proud of. And together we can do that.”
