By Chris Parker
Billings volleyball is looking to pick up where it left off after a 16-win 2024. It was the most wins for the program since winning 22 in 2019.
Six regular players including four starters graduated from that team.
“We graduated both our kills leader and libero, so we will need people to step up and fill those shoes in order to be successful this year,” Billings head coach Brady Greear said. “Serving and serve receive are always areas teams can improve on, and we’re no different. If we can improve there, we like our chances this season.”
Junior Alexa Garbee will be the captain this season after earning second-team all-conference and first-team all-district honors last season.
“Alexa will set and hit outside for us while playing all six rotations,” Greear said. “She does everything at a high level, and we will count on her to be at her best this fall.”
Senior Kyla Essick is the other returning starter.
“Kyla had a solid junior season, and we are expecting her to take yet another leap forward this year,” Greear said. “Kyla can play every position on a volleyball court and play it well. For us, she will be our go-to outside hitter. In addition to hitting, she is likely our team’s best passer and one of our top servers as well.”
Ava Rhoads will have an expanded role as a sophomore after seeing varsity action as a freshman.
“Ava Rhoads is someone who worked her way into the starting line up late last season as a freshman, and finds herself stepping into a much larger role this year,” Greear said. “Ava will operate as a RS and our other setter this year. A true competitor, she has been our hardest worker all spring and summer, and I’m excited to see what she can do this season.”
Bailey Newell (junior), Penelope Mauldin (junior) and Georgia Vesci (senior) also return.
Greear on Newell: “Bailey Newell will also be an impact player this year both as a middle, and RS. She worked her way into a good amount of playing time last year and will look to build on that this season.”
Greear on Mauldin: “Penelope Mauldin is another player who saw varsity time last year. She will play as a middle for us this year. Penelope has been working hard all off-season, and I believe she will make a big jump this season.”
Greear on Vesci: “Georgia Vesci is another returning player that got plenty of court time on varsity a year ago. Last year she was primarily a DS, but this season she will look to take over libero duties for us. Georgia is an energetic and vocal leader for us while out on the floor. Both great attributes for a libero to have.”
Ella Barnes (sophomore), Andi Bellamy (freshman) and Atley Harter (sophomore) will be newcomers.
Greear on Barnes: “Ella Barnes will play OH/MB for us this year. Ella is someone who works hard every single day and won’t ever complain. She loves to compete and has confidence that is unmatched.”
Greear on Bellamy: “Andi Bellamy, the younger sister to last year’s captain Lancey-Joe Bellamy, could play a variety of positions for us, but we will likely look to her as a DS and serving specialist. Andi loves the game and we’re excited to have her this year.”
Greear on Harter: “Atley Harter is also a newcomer will look to get time as a middle this year. Atley brings the energy every day and we are happy to have her this season.”
Billings travels to Sparta for a jamboree on Aug. 26 before opening the season on Aug. 28 at Ash Grove.
“Our strengths this year will simply be our willingness to compete, and our willingness to play for one another. With a smaller roster this year we know we need to be able trust and rely on each other in order to be successful. This group has done a good job of setting a program standard, and they do a good job of holding each other to that,” Greear said. “Our expectations are high, and we are unwavering in that aspect. Even though we’re a small school, in a down year on numbers, we expect to compete with everyone on our schedule and continuously improve throughout the season.”
