Lady Lakers Overcoming Tough Challenges
Lillie Thorn serving the ball for the Lady Lakers at Jeffery Gymnasium. The Lakers went on to defeat the Webster County Trojans in 3 sets. Photo taken by Maronda Sheridan.
The Calloway County Lady Lakers volleyball team has experienced many different changes since last season including coaching changes and losing key players to graduation. Thus, it is no surprise the team experienced another change over the summer when Kady Arant was named the new head volleyball coach. Coach Arant is also the head coach of the Calloway County softball team. Along with a new coach, Arant also brought in an assistant coach, Gracie Murphy, to help improve the team. The Lady Lakers have started their season with a 5-9 record. The Lady Lakers is led by seniors: Carson McReynolds, Lillie Thorn, Gracie Friedrich and Cana McDonald. The juniors are Lydia Bell, Emma Fennel, Olivia Miles, and Gracie Turner. There are currently two sophomores, Cambrey Driscoll and Kayden Patrick.
When asked about the impact her new coaching staff has on the team, senior Carson McReynolds replied, “They have made us better. We never thought we would make it to 2A state, but they helped us reach that goal.” The players really enjoy the new coaches and have seen significant improvement throughout the season. Losing Adison Hicks, Kamden Underwood, and Gracie Adams to graduation was a tough hit for the Lakers, but many underclassmen have stepped up to the challenge. As mentioned earlier, the volleyball team made it to the 2A state tournament. Unfortunately, the Lady Lakers were defeated by the Lexington Catholic Lady Knights but making it to the tournament was a great overall experience for all the girls on the team.
Through all the challenges the volleyball team has faced this year, they have done well and continue to get better every day. The Lady Lakers plan to finish their season on a strong note. The team is excited for the post season and hope to be able to make a deep run in the regional tournament. Come out and support the volleyball team as they are finishing out their season.
