By Chris Parker
Houston volleyball posted its fourth consecutive season with at least 20 wins going 21-12-3 last season.
The consistency in the win column has reflected the consistency in offseason work the players put in.
“Our kids have really bought into the weight room and put in the work in the offseason,” Houston head coach Julia Sloan said. “They know that it is an expectation. They are consistently working to compete every night and not settling for being mediocre.”
Five players who saw action in at least 99 of the 103 sets last season return along with a sixth player who played in 59 varsity sets.
Kayla Wagner returns after leading Houston in kills with 357 and finishing second in assists with 342. She had a part in 74% of Houston’s kills last year either as the hitter or setter.
“She can do it all. She sees the floor so well and has such a high volleyball IQ,” Sloan said. “She is our captain along with Gracyn McNiell. Kayla really stepped into that role last year and led our team. She takes her role very seriously and will do anything possible to help us better as a team.”
McNiell is a senior libero who led Houston with 591 receptions and 381 digs.
“Gracyn is the most hard-nosed kid you will meet,” Sloan said. “She is such a hard worker and will not let anyone outwork her. She will do anything for her team and is just a great kid.”
Kynlee Weaver, the team’s leader in total blocks with 35, returns to her spot at middle hitter for her senior season.
“She has made great strides this offseason,” Sloan said of Weaver.
Senior defensive specialist Annabelle Westbrook brings a vocal presence with her defense.
“Annabelle is a very vocal piece to our team,” Sloan said. “I’m expecting big things out of her this season.”
Carli Cummins-Drake (senior DS) and Hannah Ennis (senior OH) will compete for varsity sets this season after seeing time last season.
Millie Manier is a freshman who could make an immediate impact as an outside or right side hitter.
“As an incoming freshman, Millie has shown a lot of promise as a younger player,” Sloan said. “I am expecting her to get quite a bit of playing time this season.”
Claire Benoist (sophomore setter), Hally Sheets (junior middle hitter) Arianna Flores (junior RS), Adyson Dailing (junior OH) and Olivia Ice (junior MH) are newcomers to watch.
Sloan on Benoist: “Claire is going to be our other setter. Claire is such a good kid that will work her tail off. She has great hands, and I am excited to see how much she grows this season.”
Sloan on Sheets: “She is a 6-foot-1 middle who has worked really hard this offseason to earn her a spot this year. I am expecting great things from her this season.”
Sloan on Flores: “Ari is a six-foot right side for us. She has really impressed me these last few weeks of offseason. She is really stepping into her role well.”
Sloan on Dailing: “Adyson can jump out of a gym. I am expecting her to see some floor time this year.”
The chemistry is strong among this senior-heavy roster.
“All these girls just get along,” Sloan said. “They all are pretty close on and off the court. We also have six seniors, so they bring a lot of leadership and experience to the court. We are also very tall upfront. I feel that will help lead us to success this year.”
Houston hosts a jamboree on Aug. 26 with Cabool and Willow Springs before opening the regular season on Sept. 4 at Steelville.
“Night in and night out I want us to compete,” Sloan said. “The SCA has lots of great volleyball and every night is a fight. Always the goal is to finish in the top of the conference and then strive for a postseason run.”
