By Chris Parker
Fordland volleyball has improved its win total in each of the past six seasons from three wins in 2019 to 19 wins last season.
The Eagles are looking to extend the streak to seven seasons.
“I believe that our team will be using the skills that they learned during the off-season to push our winning numbers even further,” Fordland head coach Ronni Cummins said. “These young ladies have shown up through the entire summer to train hard and develop their skills. We also have a strong group of leaders in our senior class that have really changed the game in a positive way for us. The team is strong together, and as individuals, because of the experience they have gained over the years. Many of these girls have been playing together since grade school, and it shows. They know how to work together effectively to bring the team closer as a whole.”
The senior class includes Loren Bojko (OH/S), Addison Neal (RH/DS), Jayslynn Stalder (DS) and Elliana Garber.
Bojoko led the team in kills (196), assists (376) and aces (53).
“After playing volleyball since third grade, Loren Bojko has a very competitive edge that will surely lead our team to make some great plays this season,” Cummins said. “She is an absolute standout setter, and a powerful hitter. Loren is planning to compete on the collegiate level and has been working hard to make a name for herself and our team. As a three-year team captain, she holds a very special place on the court.”
Neal had 157 kills, 51 aces, 255 digs and 187 receptions in 2024.
“Addison Neal is a returning senior that has been playing ball for many years and has played many different positions for me,” Cummins said. “Addison has a way of bringing out the best in our team with her strong but kind passion. She has goals to dominate the back row this season, as she comes off the heels of her club season. I can’t wait to see how she makes a name for herself in her last year at Fordland.”
Stalder contributed 126 digs and 103 receptions.
“Jayslynn Stalder is playing with us for a second year, and she has been a great asset to our team defensively,” Cummins said. “Jayslynn competed in the sand volleyball club in her off-season time, and she’s been taking on extra training throughout the summer. Jayslynn is always the first to lift up her teammates and cheer them on.”
Garber has shown great off-season improvement.
“Elliana Garber has grown immensely since our last regular season with hitting and blocking,” Cummins said. “She will be a key asset to our blocking system this season.”
The returning juniors include Millie Cummins (MH), Aeriel Mayfield (MH) and Jessica Baughman (S/RH).
Millie Cummins led the team with 13 blocks last season.
“Millie Cummins will be continuing her role as a middle hitter and blocker this season,” Coach Cummins said. “She has worked very hard in our off-season time to train with some great leaders, and she has prepared herself to grow into a leader on our front row this season.”
Mayfield played in almost every varsity set last season.
“(Mayfield) is reliable and quick,” Coach Cummins said. “She has really grown to love the sport, and she has begun to thrive in high-pressure scenarios.”
Baughman returns after only playing in 11 sets last season due to injury.
“(Baughman) was out for most of last season with an ACL injury, but she has been working overtime to make her way back after her injury,” Coach Cummins said. “Jessica is a multi-sport athlete and she is our loudest voice on or off of the court. Jessica takes her role seriously, always taking notes and working to perfect her game.”
Reese Holmes (sophomore S/OH) and Sophey Jacobson (junior MH) also will impact the varsity lineup.
Holmes will see her role increase after playing in 59 of 79 varsity sets last season.
“Last year, Reese was a freshman, and she stepped up to make a name for herself when both of our varsity setters were out from injuries,” Cummins said. “She has worked relentlessly through the off-season playing club ball and training weekly to push herself to new heights. I couldn’t be any prouder of her commitment to growing the sport.”
Jacobson is moving up from junior varsity.
“Sophey Jacobson is moving from JV this year as an addition to our blocking brigade,” Coach Cummins said. “She is tall and quick, and she is never afraid to work hard for her team. Sophey is a very coachable player that can listen and assess quickly. I am very excited to see her play this season.”
Coach Cummins wants to see improvement in the first pass this season.
“I would have to say that we need to really focus on our serve receive system,” Coach Cummins said. “Every rotation is different, as any coach knows, and each rotation brings new challenges. We will have to spend a lot of time focusing on our skills to get that perfect first touch. We lost a very skilled libero last season, and we will have to work hard on filling that place on the court.”
Fordland opens the regular season on Aug. 29 at Hurley.
“My expectations are to increase the number of wins but learn to be quick and efficient during fast plays,” Coach Cummins said. “I love to say that I want all the girls to have a high level of volleyball IQ on the court. I believe that if we can master recovering the out-of-system plays and learn to be aggressive with all our plays then we can top last year’s record of 19-8-1, which is the best record since 2017. We have a loaded roster, as far as experience, and I am excited to see them grow together.”
