By Michael Cignoli (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Skyline volleyball program is just three seasons removed from its crowning achievement, the only Final Four appearance in team history.
Since then, the Tigers have hovered right around .500 — including a 17-14-4 finish a year ago.
But with a wealth of skill and experience returning – including a full rotation’s worth of starters – there’s every reason to believe the Tigers are poised to make another extended postseason run.
“We have a lot of upperclassmen,” Skyline coach Shawna Bybee said. “It starts with them and how they carry themselves on and off the court. They will not be defined by their win/loss record, but how they have helped carry a team to success at the end of the year — or how they have supported their teammates even on the downhill. I will say this group could be special — if they believe.”
“Believe” is the key word there, because the road to greatness will be far from easy.
Bybee has loaded the team’s schedule with games against perennial district and state title contenders, meaning the Tigers will see teams like El Dorado Springs, Strafford, Diamond and Miller. Plus, their opening-night match is a showdown with two-time reigning state champion Fair Grove.
That’s all part of the plan.
“I have made our schedule very tough, to try to make our run in the postseason,” Bybee said. “I would say every season above .500 has been a successful year with the schedule we have. Are we satisfied with being just above .500? No, but we know it’s a process. Motivation for my group this year — trust me, trust this process. The hard-work, dedication to each other and me will show up at the end of the year.”
The Tigers will once again be led by senior middle hitter Tymber Pinon, who earned all-conference and all-district honors after leading the team in kills (367), blocks (83) and aces (25) last fall.
“I think she has grown so much mentally and is already well-prepared physically,” Bybee said. “I have seen nothing but great things from her.”
Junior Shelby Redd was also named to the all-conference and all-district teams after recording a team-best 574 digs, though an injury limited her off-season work. Bybee hopes the right-side will be fully recovered by the time the season kicks off.
“She brings great speed and intensity,” Bybee added.
Skyline has two solid options at setter, as senior Jenna Hunt returns after missing her junior season with an injury. She finished with 610 assists as a sophomore.
“Glad to have her back,” Bybee said. “She will help Tym lead this team. She has a competitive side like Tymber that she could use. She has come back 100 percent, and we are happy to see her out there with her teammates.”
Junior Leslie Caselman, who took over the role in Hunt’s absence, recorded a team-best 418 assists last fall.
“Being an upperclassman, I see her having a lot of growth this year just because she understands the expectations now and helps our team in whatever way is necessary,” Bybee said.
Sophomore outside hitter McKlaren Miller appeared in every set for the Tigers in her debut season and ranked among the team leaders in receptions (446, third) and digs (359, fourth).
“Having a year under her belt as a freshman, I see her really opening up to feel comfortable with her teammates this year,” Bybee said. “She communicates well and I think that could help a lot this year.”
Following the graduation of three-year starter Autumn Ballwin, juniors Kimber Henderson, Lauren Bradley and Gracie Johnson will have a chance to become prominent features in Skyline’s offense.
Henderson, an outside hitter, ranked third on the team in kills and blocks last fall. Bradley, a middle hitter, and Johnson, a right-side, would be making their varsity debuts.
Junior Hailey Stokes and freshmen McKaylan Sanders and Daylee Phillips will also compete for time in the rotation.
Bybee on Stokes: “Very smart kid and hope to utilize that on the court. She just needs to continue to find her comfort zone and not doubt herself.”
Bybee on Sanders: “Very tall freshman that can swing. She doesn’t have a lot of years of volleyball under her belt but is competitive and has done well at learning fast. She is fighting for time on the front row.”
Bybee on Phillips: “Works very hard and has improved a lot this summer. Could see her helping us on the back row some.”
First up for the Tigers is an August 26 jamboree in Osceola, followed by their September 2 home opener against the Eagles.
“I hope my girls fight for every ball, no matter the point,” Bybee said. “We want to be either a hard win for teams or tough loss to accept.”
