By Owen Whitsett
Coffee County Lady Raider volleyball will look different when it takes the floor this fall.
After finishing 17-7 a season ago, the Lady Raiders graduated one of the program’s largest senior classes in recent memory, saying goodbye to leaders Carrington Saner, Morgen Spears, Allysa Goon, Taylor Brinkley and several other key contributors. While replacing that experience won’t happen overnight, head coach Jon Spears believes this year’s veteran group is ready to carry the standard forward.
Leading that group is All-District senior Danni Hillis, who returns alongside fellow seniors Cailey Sturgill, Cara Newlin, Paisley Dyer and Andon Selvog. Spears said the biggest difference this group brings isn’t just experience on the court, but the example they set every day in practice.
“Their work ethic is great, teaching these younger kids how Lady Raider volleyball does things. We’re always on the go, we’re always moving. Even if it’s in between drills, we’re not walking, we’re getting there. They install that in the younger kids.”
That leadership has become especially important with several younger players expected to step into larger roles this season.
Sophomore Jenslee Nogodula returns after a record-setting freshman campaign that saw her rewrite portions of the Lady Raider record book defensively. Spears said her instincts and court awareness continue to separate her from many players her age.
“Of course, Jenslee, she takes charge out there. She just sees the ball so well, and I guess that’s the point guard in her. She reads the floor well, she sees where that’s going, and she gets things that a lot of kids might not.”
Another player expected to take another step forward is junior Hayleigh Harris. After working her way into the lineup last season, Harris finished the year as one of Coffee County’s top offensive threats.
“Hayleigh Harris, midseason she wasn’t even close to leading us in kills, and she ended up tying Morgen for the most kills on the team. She was on fire.”
The Lady Raiders will also look for increased contributions from Isabelle Saner as she prepares for a larger role this season, while sophomore Addie Wild and transfer Blaine Weaver are among the players expected to provide additional depth. Spears also noted that junior Krislyn Martin will miss the season after suffering a torn ACL, while senior Katie Sturgill is currently recovering from an injury but is expected to return before the start of the regular season.
With experienced leaders setting the standard and a talented group of younger players ready for bigger opportunities, Spears believes the pieces are in place as Coffee County prepares for another season of District 9-AAA volleyball.
