By Chris Parker
Neosho volleyball will have a new look on the varsity court this season with just one starter returning after graduating eight seniors off last season’s team.
“We have a lot of new faces on our varsity team. We will be looking for some big court time from some young players,” Neosho head coach Martha Harper said. “We don’t have a lot of players returning with varsity experience and we will be depending on some freshman to step into a varsity positions. I believe our team will grow as we get experience.”
The one starter returning is senior middle hitter Jazmyn Washington. Washington earned second-team all-conference honors as a junior after she led the team in both kills (182) and blocks (52) in 2024.
“She consistently reads the net well and has the ability to find the holes in the block to finish the points,” Harper said. “Her aggressive swing makes her a reliable offensive threat, while her presence at the net defensively sets the tone for our team. Jazmyn’s ability to adjust in play and create opportunities shows her strong volleyball IQ. She is a key contributor to both our offensive and defensive success.”
Quinlyn Depoe (senior setter) saw action in 40 sets last season and was second on the team with 128 assists.
“Quinlyn Depoe returns this season as a key leader for the team after missing the final third of last year due to injury,” Harper said. “Despite her time away from the court, she still managed to contribute 128 assists, showcasing her consistency and impact. This year, she will direct the team’s 5-1 offense, where her strong decision-making is central to the program’s success. She is not only a steady and reliable setter but also a vocal leader who encourages her teammates and sets the tone for our offense. Quinlyn’s leadership on and off the court makes her an essential part of our team.”
Lydia Hunt (sophomore outside hitter) saw action in 33 sets of varsity action as a freshman.
“Lydia Hunt finished last season competing at the varsity level, making an immediate impact as an outside hitter,” Harper said. “She has a powerful, aggressive swing and can effectively contribute on both the strong side and right side. Lydia’s versatility, combined with her ability to attack with confidence, makes her a valuable offensive threat.”
Audrey Emry (sophomore DS/libero) played in 37 varsity sets as a freshman.
“Audrey stepped into the varsity DS role last year at the end of the season and quickly proved herself as a reliable defender,” Harper said. “This season, she will be leading our defense. She has a strong ability to read hitters, anticipate plays and make smart, effective defensive decisions. Her focus and awareness on the court make her a key asset to our team.”
Freshman Annabell Rogers (OH/MH) is one of those new faces who should make a big impact this season.
“Annabelle is a confident freshman outside hitter who brings energy and competitiveness to the court,” Harper said. “She sees the floor well and has a strong, consistent swing that gives her the ability to score. As she gains experience at the varsity level, it will refine her skills, and she will become a key contributor for the team’s success.”
Ashlynn Hall (junior middle hitter), Natalee Oxford (junior setter/OH), Gracin Sonis (freshman DS/libero), Lillian Branscum (senior DS), Trinity Chew (junior OH) and Haley Gilbreath (senior OH) are also newcomers to varsity looking to make an immediate impact.
“Our biggest strength this year is our determination to get better every day,” Harper said. “This team has worked hard in every drill. Our upperclassmen have been helping our young players adapt to high school tempo. Our team unity is strong.”
Part of that growth will be in the confidence of playing at the varsity level.
“We are continuing to work on building confidence in ourselves,” Harper said. “Our team has put in a lot of time in the gym and weight room this summer. We are working to get quicker and stronger every day. All this hard work can be seen in our practices. Each practice shows improvement. I am excited to see where we will be at the end of the season. We have also been working on our mental toughness as well. We want to win the close games and be confident against all teams.”
Neosho opens the season on Sept. 2 at Seneca.
“Our expectations for this year to play our best each time we are on the floor,” Harper said. “It doesn’t matter if it is a game or practice. We will push each other and depend on each other.”
