By Chris Parker
Cabool volleyball went from three straight seasons of 15 or 16 wins to 29 wins last season in the second year under head coach Cali Walls.
“My first season coming in, I wanted to learn the girls and find our strengths and weaknesses,” Walls said. “I wasn’t able to truly coach the way I wanted, coming in so late and being my seniors’ third coach in four years. At the end of that season, I told my girls it was time to step it up a notch—and they bought in. Hard to believe I am already stepping into my third season.”
This season, Cabool has enhanced its schedule.
“This year, while setting a new school record (for wins) would be ideal, my focus is on competing against tougher teams to improve our skills and better prepare for districts—and hopefully post-districts,” Walls said. “We’re entering two big, challenging tournaments: Strafford and Dig for Life.”
This year’s team returns a pair of elite hitting options in senior Sophia Dotson and sophomore Jayne Thompson. That duo along with others give Cabool offensive options at all times.
“It allows me to have strong hitting options in every rotation,” Walls said. “On top of that, I have two other hitters stepping up. Most of our varsity girls played club together during the last off-season, which helped them grow in confidence—not just in themselves, but in each other.”
Dotson is a returning after a 529-kill junior campaign that earned her all-state honors.
“Sophia has dedicated years to club ball, which gives her a huge advantage,” Walls said. “She plays smart, and with her natural athleticism and volleyball IQ, she’s tough to stop.”
Thompson had a 389-kill freshman season and led Cabool with 71 aces.
“She’s played years of club ball and absolutely loves the game. She’s hungry to grow and compete. What makes it even better is that her teammates aren’t jealous of her success; they celebrate her and with her, which fuels her even more,” Walls said. “She’s matured on the court, tightened things up, and cut down on errors. It’s going to be another year of just pure awe watching her play.”
There is also stability at setter with Cambree Woodard returning after handing out 882 assists in her junior season.
“(Woodard’s return) allows my hitters to be more diverse in what they do on the court and gives our offense more flexibility overall,” Walls said.
Lexi Miller (senior middle hitter), Jacie McMinn (junior libero) and Jordanna Atkins (junior middle hitter) also return for Cabool.
Walls on Miller: “Bringing more consistency and energy to the net this year. Her blocking has improved and she’s becoming a smarter attacker.”
Walls on McMinn: “Versatile and coachable, she’s the kind of athlete you can plug in anywhere and know she’ll get the job done. She will be a key player for us in defense.”
Walls on Atkins: “Her blocking has improved and will continue to bring height to the court. She is a vibrant, energetic force for our team.”
The returners have built a great chemistry together in the off-season.
“Our biggest strength is having six returning players who played club ball together in the off-season,” Walls said. “They’ve spent time learning, growing, and building chemistry with each other. They’re also hungrier this year, having fallen short last year at district championship.”
Makayla Harden will be a newcomer to the varsity equation in her junior season.
Cabool opens the regular season on Sept. 1 at Marshfield.
