By Chris Parker
Sparta volleyball enters the second season with Heather Stanford as head coach coming off a 21-win campaign.
Stanford wants to see continued growth in Year 2.
“This is my second year at Sparta, and I really want to keep building the program into something we’re proud of,” Stanford said. “My biggest expectations are that the girls keep giving full effort, stay positive toward themselves and each other, and keep communicating—on and off the court. More than anything, I want to see them grow closer as a team. Chemistry matters. If a team isn’t connected, even a good season won’t feel that great. But when they’re united, everything just clicks.”
Stanford expects to see big impacts out of Sydney Willis (senior libero), Reese Loveland (senior setter), Emmy Hightower (senior outside), Izzy Campbell (senior outside), and Raylee Dorman (junior middle),
Willis brings a strong serve.
“Sydney is an incredibly reliable player,” Stanford said. “She’s calm under pressure and always steps up when it matters most. Last season she had an amazing 97.8% service percentage with hardly any errors on varsity. Our team can count on her to be steady and play smart.”
Hightower and Campbell are key hitters.
“Emmy and Izzy were both outside hitters last season and played huge roles for us, even with a senior-heavy team,” Stanford said. “Emmy finished with 84 kills which is impressive as she was learning a new hitting technique. She brings a lot of energy and helps keep the team motivated in times of stress. Izzy is a strong all-around player who has natural talent as an athlete. She’s aggressive at the net but also makes defense a priority, which really stands out.”
Loveland will have her role expand as a setter.
“Reese is a strong setter who’s going to take on a lot of responsibility this year,” Stanford said. “She’s driven and focused, and I see her becoming a key leader on and off the court.”
Dorman will be important to the block.
“Raylee had a great first season last year,” Stanford said. “She came in and held her own right away—especially as a blocker. She finished second in solo blocks as just a sophomore, and I’m looking forward to what she’ll do this year with even more experience.”
Addison Finney (junior RS/DS), Claire Rains (junior middle) and Norah Stallcup (sophomore DS) will be newcomers to watch.
Finney and Rains both had big junior varsity roles along with some varsity time last season.
“Addison and Claire both had some varsity experience last year while still playing a big part on JV,” Stanford said. “This season, they’ll be full-time varsity players, and I am excited to see their growth. Addison is super driven and plays with purpose every time she’s on the court. She hustles hard and has a great right side swing. Claire is very coachable—she listens, adjusts, and keeps working to get better. She’s got a great attitude and never stops pushing herself.”
Stallcup has the ability to be a utility player.
“Norah has really stepped up this summer,” Stanford said. “She’s been filling multiple roles for us and doing it really well. She’s versatile, willing to play wherever we need her, and always gives her best. That kind of flexibility and mindset makes a big difference.”
Sparta hosts a jamboree on Aug. 26 with Blue Eye, Billings and Conway before opening the regular season on Aug. 30 at the Stockton Tournament.
“I really think our mindset will be our biggest strength,” Stanford said. “This group works hard, stays positive, and takes ownership of their mistakes instead of pointing fingers. They want to get better and don’t wait for me to demand anything from them—they’re encouraging each other and creating a great environment on their own. That kind of culture makes everything better, on and off the court.”
