The Republic volleyball program has built a foundation of success under head coach Allison Davis. With over 20 wins in each of the past two seasons, the Lady Tigers have established themselves as consistent contenders. Now, they face the challenge of maintaining that standard despite significant roster turnover. That means new opportunities for some fresh faces at the varsity level.
“Obviously, having the amount of wins that we’ve had over the last couple of years, even though we’ve lost what we’ve lost from last season, we have these kids that are coming up. They have the mindset that they’re going to win,” Davis said. “They’re going to be successful, and I think that’s what’s so important for us coaches — to help them believe in themselves and the potential that they have.”
The 2024 season presents a unique opportunity for players to step into new roles. Unlike recent years, when the varsity lineup was largely set, this year’s roster remained fluid heading into the pre-season.
“This is the first time it’s unknown who’s going to step on that varsity floor this year,” Davis said. “We have a lot of opportunity for players to step up.”
Returning Players
Two seniors return with significant varsity experience. Adison Gibbs, who led the team in blocks last season, is expected to expand her role from a three-rotation middle hitter to a six-rotation player.
“She’s a dominant kid and led our team in blocks last season. She’s just a super-coachable kid,” Davis said of Gibbs.
Reese Frey, an all-district selection last year, brings versatility to the court. She can play as an outside hitter, but also serves as one of the team’s primary setters.
“She’s kind of like a utility kid for us. She can do all things,” Davis said. “She’s going to be probably one of our most consistent setters because she’s a returner in that position.”
Two other seniors, Kaylee Cornelsen and Nevaeh Ghan, will step into expanded roles after seeing limited varsity action last season. Cornelsen could play a defensive specialist or libero position, while Ghan is expected to contribute after a strong JV season last year.
“Toward the end of the summer, she’s kind of come into her own and I anticipate a pin hitter role from her,” Davis said of Ghan. “She’s just an athletic kid, and we’re expecting a lot of good things out of her this season.”
Sophomore Reese Finley returns as the only underclassman with extensive varsity experience. Her athleticism allows Davis to use her in multiple positions.
“She played three rotations right side last year. This year, I’d love to have her on the outside,” Davis said. “There’s an open setter spot, and I’d love to see her in that because she’s so athletic. She can do anything.”
New Faces
With several positions up for grabs, Davis has used the summer to evaluate a wide range of players, including some freshmen.
“We put in a variety of players. We had some freshmen out there. We had some JV kids that have been consistently playing JV that played on the varsity floor this summer,” Davis said.
Addyson Warner and Bria Claxton are among the players fighting for a defensive specialist role. Kate Mitchell and Hailey Fuentes are also in line to step into potential varsity roles.
Even some of the strong freshman class will could be pushing for varsity time as the season progresses. That would be reminiscent of Davis’s first season, when players like Kailey Manes, Kaemyn Bekemeier, and Rilynn Finley stepped into varsity roles as ninth-graders.
The mix of experienced players and newcomers posed a challenge during the summer as younger players became accustomed to the style and speed of play at higher levels.
“With a variety of playing levels that each of these kids have played, that’s been the struggle a little bit — just meshing and being able to play together,” Davis said. “The three returning varsity players are so used to a fast offense. I think just having that patience and working through that with the variety of kids we’ve had on the floor, (we were) trying to figure out that relationship and the chemistry, I know it will come, but it’s just one of those things we’re working through.”
Despite that challenge, Davis remains confident in the team’s ability to adapt and improve throughout the season.
“At our varsity level right now, it’s not where I want it to be,” she said as fall practices began. “That’s our goal when we get into the season — to speed up our game like where we left off last season, but it’s going to be a process,” she said. Despite the loss of so many top-level seniors, Davis said the new crop of players is ready to continue the program’s winning ways.
“No matter who’s on the court, we may not have a Rilynn, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t win. We will find ways to win, and they’re determined to do that,” Davis said.
“The good thing about the seniors that we have this season is their patience. They know it’s going to take a minute, but I know that we’ll get there. Those young kids, there’s obvious nerves, but our upperclassmen are doing a great job of supporting them.”
Republic opens its season at the Branson tournament August 31.