By Chris Parker
Republic volleyball finished 14-17 last season, which was the first below .500 record for the program since 2020.
If the Tigers are to get back above .500 this season, some new players will have to step up into key roles.
“Returning only four varsity starters from last year, we have a lot of spots to fill,” Republic head coach Allison Davis said. “The positive thing is we have a lot of talent coming up this season and the next few years. So, we will build on the experience of those varsity returners and develop those athletes into varsity caliber athletes.”
One of those starters returning is first-team all-conference selection Reese Finley. Finley led the team in kills with 304 last season.
“Reese’s explosive jumping ability and her hard arm swing are obvious but not only do her physical attributes make her a special hitter, her court awareness, mental toughness and her overall volleyball IQ make her an even bigger threat,” Davis said. “Reese is one of our most athletic kids on the team and could potentially play just about any position. I foresee her in the same outside hitting position, but back row specific positioning could be anywhere.”
Bria Claxton is a senior setter or defensive specialist who played in 94 sets last season. She had 199 digs and 115 assists.
“Last season, Bria was one of our stronger defensive specialists and this year could either be pursuing another DS spot or a setter spot,” Davis said. “She’s been a part of this program all four years, and I’m excited to see her lead this team her senior year.”
Hailey Fuentes should see an expanded role after seeing action in 41 sets last season.
“Hailey saw some varsity time last year and has always been a consistent player for us not only on the court, but off the court as well,” Davis said. “She’ll be fighting for a right side spot this year as well.”
Junior middle hitter Kate Mitchell has shown improvement in the offseason after playing in 94 sets last season and putting down 185 kills.
“I’ve seen the most growth in Kate this summer,” Davis said. “She was a varsity starter last year and did a lot of great things. This summer Kate is one of our most consistent hitters. She’s gotten stronger and more confident. A fierce competitor at the net.”
Addyson Warner is a junior who played in 36 varsity sets last season.
“Addyson saw some varsity time last year, but we had several DS options, so she grew her confidence mostly playing JV last year,” Davis said. “This season, I anticipate a bigger role from her in the back row. She’s great at getting volleyballs that everyone else gives up on.”
Rylee Vent made an immediate impact on the varsity level as a freshman last season and will do the same from her spot as a middle hitter this season.
“She started varsity last season as a freshman and was thrown into some really big games last year,” Davis said. “It’s obvious that she’s put in work in the offseason and has become a more confident, aggressive player. I’m excited to see her continue to grow.”
Andie Wistrom also saw some varsity action as a freshman playing in 18 sets. She is an outside hitter.
“Last year she started on the freshman team, worked her way up to JV and by the end of season was starting for us on varsity,” Davis said. “She’s just an athletic kid, who works hard, super athletic and is extremely coachable. Her work ethic will help her be an asset for us.”
Chloe Pullan (sophomore), Shelby Forbis (sophomore), Avery Moore (sophomore) and Rylee Dishman (freshman) are all fighting for varsity spots.
“Although we are a young team, our chemistry will be a strength this year,” Davis said. “Our players are coachable and are improving their skills daily. They have a strong will to get better, and that will allow us to find success this season.”
Republic travels to Logan-Rogersville for a jamboree on Aug. 26. The Tigers open the regular season on Aug. 30 at the Branson Tournament.
“My overall expectation for the team this year is to compete, maintain the positive culture and to play for one another and improve,” Davis said.
