By Chris Parker
New Covenant volleyball has a new head coach in Chenille Gaumer this season. She previously served as an assistant coach at Parkview in 2004 and then at a middle school in Texas from 2006-09, She also has extensive experience running volleyball camps.
“I am very excited to enter back into a coaching role and couldn’t be more thrilled to be at NCA,” Gaumer said. “My coaching philosophy centers on player development, building a positive team culture, and making the game both fun and competitive. I enjoy helping students grow in skill, confidence, and character—both on and off the court.”
She has become familiar with New Covenant while serving as a substitute teacher for the past three years.
“I was drawn to New Covenant Academy because it’s where my children attend, and I’ve grown to deeply appreciate the school’s teachers, students, and Christ-centered mission,” Gaumer said. “Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a regular substitute teacher, which has further connected me to the NCA community. I’m fully aligned with the school’s commitment to faith, character, and excellence—and I see tremendous potential within the volleyball program. The opportunity to invest in young athletes in an environment that values leadership, integrity, and spiritual growth truly resonates with my heart as a coach.”
Five experienced seniors return from last season’s 26-8-4 team.
Ashlynn Mason is a middle hitter who led the team with 421 kills and 155 total blocks last season. She also had 102 aces, 144 digs and 136 receptions. She was named first-team all-conference
“Ashlynn Mason is an experienced and explosive middle hitter who brings speed and energy to every play, even with blocking,” Gaumer said. “She is a strong leader on the floor and is a very consistent player on the court.”
Addison Cuquet was second in both kills (375) and blocks (108). She was named second-team all-conference.
“Addison Cuquet is an experienced, dynamic hitter making a smooth transition to the outside position this season,” Gaumer said. “Her athleticism makes her a dependable threat at the net for hitting and blocking.”
Addison Crain led the offense with 716 assists.
“Addison Crain is a smart, steady setter that works hard to have strong connections to her hitters,” Gaumer said. “She understands the game well, taking control on the floor, to lead her team in the offensive game.”
Chloe Hurst was second in assists with 483.
“Chloe Hurst works hard to deliver consistent sets to her hitters while keeping the offense flowing with confidence,” Gaumer said. “Her defense and court awareness make her a key contributor on both sides of the ball as well.”
Audrey Mouery was a force serving with a team-high 117 aces. She also had 448 digs and 347 receptions. She earned Greater Ozarks Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.
“Audrey Mouery returns as a defensive standout with a strong serve and great court awareness,” Gaumer said. “She reads hitters well and brings experience and reliability to the back row. She rarely lets a ball hit the floor.”
The junior class will also have contributors.
“Our junior class brings a strong presence to the court this year,” Gaumer said. “Several players who gained varsity experience last season are stepping into more permanent roles—both in the front row and back row. I’m incredibly grateful for their work ethic, coachability, and grit throughout the summer. They’re confident in their roles and poised to make a significant impact on the team’s success.”
There are also some sophomores and freshmen who could impact varsity.
“We have a handful of underclassmen who will contribute at the varsity level this season,” Gaumer said. “While some may be stepping into roles different from what they’re used to, each one is embracing the position our team needs most. Their hard work and dedication are not only strengthening their own game but also pushing our upperclassmen to elevate theirs.”
New Covenant opens the regular season on Sept. 2 at McCauley Catholic.
“We have set high goals for our team this year,” Gaumer said. “We are pushing ourselves in practice to meet those goals. We expect to compete with excellence, challenge ourselves against strong opponents, and represent New Covenant with integrity. Our goal is to grow every week, compete in every match, and lay the groundwork for long-term success in the program.”
