By Chris Parker
Mansfield volleyball returns a more experienced roster this season after fielding a young team in 2025.
“The Mansfield Lady Lions are coming off an 8-25 record last season,” Mansfield head coach Emily Smith said. “We were extremely young and inexperienced, so we have a lot to prove this fall. This season, we have added depth, skill, and game knowledge, with a strong bench. Our ability to utilize players in multiple positions will be key to our success.”
There are no seniors on the roster this season, so the junior class will provide leadership. That returning junior group includes: Kayley Kingery (outside hitter), Addie Brooke (setter), Devynn Ball (outside hitter) and Olivia Purdy (middle blocker).
Kingery, a two-time all-conference and all-district player, was second on the team with 141 kills last season. She led the team with 358 digs.
“Kingery reads the court very well, allowing her to make defensive plays that might otherwise be unreachable,” Smith said. “Her awareness and coachability make her a scoring threat on the front row. She is a gritty, determined player.”
Brooke made the offense go with 312 assists.
“The team’s lone setter and our leader in serving percentage a year ago,” Smith said of Brooke. “She has worked hard this summer to deliver hittable balls each and every rep to her teammates. We expect continued improvements in her offensive game as she looks to score more from the second contact. Her calming presence in high-intensity situations is exactly what we need.”
Ball was the team’s top hitter with 146 kills and led the team with 418 receptions.
“She has shown up big for the Lady Lions this summer by demonstrating excellent ball control and communication while on the court,” Smith said. “Ball has the confidence to push herself and her teammates to play at a higher level. We will lean into this down the road when we find ourselves in high-pressure moments.”
Purdy contributed 71 kills.
“Despite being new to the sport last year, her height and natural jumping ability allowed her to control the net,” Smith said of Purdy. “This year, we look for her to become more of a scoring threat by adding power to her swing. She’s worked hard on ball control and seeing blocking hands in front of her this summer. Having a season of experience under her belt, we expect to see a huge growth in her game.”
Sophomores Jadalyn Coble and Patience Parsons also return.
“Coble primarily played middle for us a year ago. She’s worked on her passing game in the off-season to become a possible six-rotation player. Coble’s game knowledge and court vision is improving and will be looked at to help her team score when the opportunity presents itself,” Smith said. “Parsons was a utility player last season. She found time as the team’s libero, setter, and right front. Her ability to change positions set-by-set was something we didn’t know we needed. She will continue to make gains and help her team wherever she is needed most.”
Kia Medlin (junior) and Chloe Holyoak (sophomore) have junior varsity experience and could see varsity action.
“Medlin is a natural athlete with a great pass and an improving serve,” Smith said. “Holyoak made significant plays this summer on the front row; we look for her to continue building on that momentum. Both have great attitudes and work ethics.”
Sydney Dugger (libero) and Bayli Brazeal (middle) are a pair of freshmen who could push for playing time.
“Sydney Dugger showed grit and fierceness this summer, pushing those around her to elevate their game,” Smith said. “Bayli Brazeal displayed a lot of power on the front row and will compete for playing time as she improves her ball control, court vision, and blocking.”
The freshman class features five more players who will make the roster deeper this season.
“Our biggest strength this year is our depth,” Smith said. “With seven freshmen, the most we’ve had in recent years, we have a full squad capable of running high-level practices. We will be able to scrimmage more effectively. There will be healthy competitions for positions and playing time. We will have experienced players coming off the bench. This season will look different for us.”
Smith will look for her team to be better in long rallies.
“Last season, we struggled to win long, drawn-out rallies,” Smith said. “We are addressing this by focusing on endurance and mindset training, ensuring we stay composed and find ways to score even when the ball isn’t falling our way.”
Mansfield opens the season on Aug. 27 at Lutie.
“Our expectation is to show up every day and compete for each other–whether it’s practice, conditioning, film study, or game day,” Smith said. “We will show up ready for those around us. We believe we will surprise some teams this year. We may be the underdogs, but we look forward to proving ourselves, pushing our limits, and setting the bar high.”
