By Chris Parker
Liberty volleyball had to replace a six-player senior class heading into last season.
The program responded with a 20-10-5 record and a fifth straight district title, which was the 13th in 16 years. This season, the Eagles must replace three seniors including and all-state selection.
“Those three seniors left a great mark and big shoes to fill in our program,” Liberty head coach Shari Tune said. “That’s the blessing in a legacy program though, there are always big shoes to fill and great athletes coming up ready to fill them. Sometimes the filler looks different, but we always have eager girls to compete and that’s just part of our Liberty tradition. You almost always have senior shoes to fill, and I have been blessed with great seniors for many years.”
The graduated senior class included Korie Lind, Bryleigh Wallace and Kaylie Wagner. All three were first-team all-conference selections with Lind earning all-state honors.
As usual, there is a senior group ready to step up into leadership roles. That group includes Kelbie Smith, Jade Acklin and Kinsey Shoup.
“Seniors Kelbie Smith, Jade Acklin and Kinsey Shoup will be expected to step up and show some leadership,” Tune said. “Kelbie is our hype girl. She is so athletic and the absolute best teammate we could ask for. She will be expected to lead the offense from all over the court. Jade and Shoup will be running the defensive side for us. Jade is a consistent selfless player who you just want on the floor. She will and can do anything I need her to do. Shoup is athletic and strong as they come, I expect her to be confident enough to show that this year.”
A pair of honorable mention all-conference players in junior Jayli Tharp and sophomore Jordyn Tune return.
Tharp had 116 kills last season, which is the highest total returning on the team. She is also the leading returner in aces with 46.
“Tharp is a solid athlete. Her only weakness is her own confidence. If she saw half of the talent that we see, she would dominate every game,” Coach Tune said. “I always expect her to compete with confidence, step out of her comfort zone and go all in. She will do that this year. She has trained hard. She is a competitive player. When she lets go, it is fun to watch.”
Jordyn Tune led the offense with a team-high 429 assists last season.
“Jordyn, being my daughter, has been in the volleyball gym since day one. Her IQ is top notch just from being raised on the court. Unfortunately, she was blessed with my size but with that comes some grit to dominate even if you are 5’1. She works so hard when no one is looking, and that has paid off for her. However, she is never satisfied and always hungry,” Coach Tune said. “She will be expected to be a leader, full-time player and to make quick high IQ decisions.”
Juniors Addy Roberts and Delani Ellett return.
“Abby Roberts and Delani Ellett both have some great potential to show out,” Coach Tune said. “Delani could be an offensive threat for us, and Abby has a very heavy hand and quickness that could help us in any position.”
Brinley Duckett (sophomore) rounds out the returners.
“Brinley Duckett made huge strides as a freshman last year,” Coach Tune said. “We expect her to show some leadership on the front line this season.”
Sophomores Darra Daniels and Natalie Hunter will be newcomers.
“Darra Daniels and Natalie Hunter will be expected to come in and lead us defensively on the net, and fight to be an offensive threat for us,” Coach Tune said.
Freshmen Quincey Chowning and Kaygen Ripko could make immediate varsity impacts.
“Quincey Chowning has the potential to make some noise if she wants to put in the work for it,” Coach Tune said. “Kaygen Ripko has some spunky quick defensive potential as well. She is a great communicator and very hard worker. The joy about this group of girls is we are all very equal, at any given night, it could be someone different playing a big role.”
Tune has a hard-working group in which she hopes can gain confidence this season.
“Our work ethic is top notch. They know when we are on the floor, we expect to be the hardest workers there,” Coach Tune said. “Our mental confidence and size will be our biggest setback. If I can get these girls to believe in themselves as much as I do and see that same potential, it will be a really fun ride.”
Liberty opens the season on Sept. 2 at home against Licking.
“(We expect) to compete 24/7,” Tune said. “That is always my expectation because that is life and we are preparing them for it. Step out of that normal daily box and get used to being uncomfortable. I expect them to work hard, be respectful and pray they glorify God through the hills and the valleys of it all.”
