By Chris Parker
Mansfield volleyball is coming off an 11-win season with many holes to fill due to the graduation of five key players who combined to lead the Lady Lions in every statistical category.
“The biggest obstacle our team will face is being young with very few with varsity experience,” Mansfield head coach Emily Smith said. “We have to cut unforced errors down and rely on each person to play their role well. We will need to make the most of each rally and look for places to score as we try to tire our competition down. I foresee lots of long rallies as we work to make this new way of playing successful for us.”
Two key returning players are Kayley Kingery and Addie Brooke.
Kingery was an honorable mention all-district player last season who found her place as a middle back and outside hitter. She had 55 kills, 56 aces, 269 digs and 166 receptions.
“She (Kingery) has a knack for finding the ball quickly as a defensive player and has gained power and control this off season in her hitting,” Smith said. “Kingery brings a fierceness to our team that will be looked for by the coaching staff to make plays late in ball games.”
Brooke was second on the team in assists with 199.
“Addie Brooke will take complete responsibility of the team’s offense this fall,” Smith said. “She became a solid player for the Lady Lions a year ago in her freshman year and built a great foundation for herself in the setter’s position. Brooke works hard for her teammates and leads the team with purpose. Her ball control and court vision has improved this off season. Her ability to remain level-headed in high pressure situations will be a key component for our team.”
Devynn Ball will see an expanded role this season after playing in 39 varsity sets as a freshman.
“She (Ball) will pick up a vital role this year becoming Kingery’s opposite at middle back and outside hitter,” Smith said. “She’s a great athlete with speed, a solid passing platform, and hops on the front row. Ball showed many improvements this summer with her serve and ball control.”
Patience Parsons and Jadalyn Coble will make immediate varsity impacts as freshmen.
“With losing a large number to graduation and numbers being on the low side, these freshmen will learn quickly what it takes to compete at a high level,” Smith said. “Parsons has a setting background but ultimately is a true libero at heart. She can chase down a ball many might assume to be unplayable. She has zero fear of hitting the floor when needed and understands the court and rotations like a true seasoned player. Coble will find time primarily on the front row and behind the serving line this fall. She is strong and has put in major work to become better for her team. Coble has the ability to really make an impact for the Lady Lions as a middle hitter. Coble will see different roles this year and may find more playing time as the season progresses.”
Lone senior Chloe Scofield rounds out the varsity lineup.
“Scofield has a love for the game that is unmatched,” Smith said. “She has a never give up attitude and is the loudest to always cheer on or pick up her teammates. In past seasons, Scofield has been a leader for the JV squads as an OH but will see time at the right front position this fall. Her passing game has improved, and she never shies away from diving for a loose ball.”
Several others are in the mix to contribute on varsity as well.
“There are a handful of new players, other incoming freshmen, and move-ins coming out this season that I am really excited about,” Smith said. “These players will have to learn to play quick, trust their natural instincts, and be coachable for the last open spots on the varsity floor. I look forward to seeing their grit as the season approaches.”
Overall, the roster brings quickness and steady passing.
“The biggest strength our team has this season is speed and passing control,” Smith said. “Collectively, we are an extremely fast team with two players (Kingery and Ball) who competed at the state track meet in the spring. We will rely on this quickness to battle and win games defensively. We are going to use our endurance to outlast our competitors.”
Mansfield hosts a jamboree on Aug. 26 before opening the regular season on Aug. 28 at Gainesville.
“The overall expectation is to have a “never back down” outlook for each game,” Smith said. “We need to show up each day ready to work, ready to get better, and ready to earn each win. We have a very close-knit team this year and their ability to feed off each other is like none I’ve coached before. We will surprise some people, and I can’t wait to see it. Our motto this year is ‘Unity Over Everything’, and I truly believe we can make a run at a postseason title by sticking together.”
