Middle school volleyball gears up for new season with veteran coaches

By Floyd Jernigan

Nevada Daily Mail

Veteran coaches Marsha Hooper and Gail Wilson again head up the seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball squads at Nevada Middle School, providing experienced guidance to help build the sport for the high school.

Hooper, who is entering her 32nd year in coaching, has spent the last nine at the seventh-grade level.

Wilson, who is entering her 30th, has spent the last five with the eighth grade.

As one would expect, the two teams are a mix of new players and those with a year of experience.

"With the seventh grade, it's their first year, so some players are competing for the first time," said Hooper. "Some players do have a little club experience.

"We should be competitive. I think we're adapting well to a 6-2. The girls are eager to learn and improve their basic volleyball skills. At a team level, our greatest strength will be our serving."

With the eighth grade, most players from last year are returning. One player moved out of the district.

"We had a solid season last year as seventh graders," Wilson said. "We added height and experience as eighth graders, so we should be stronger at the net, both offensively and defensively."

Last year, the team's record was 13-5, with a third-place finish at the Tri-County tournament.

Making up the seventh-grade roster are Adrian Bond, Emalie Bower, Kylie Boyd, Peyton Claypool, Laiken Cussimanio, Sydney Ernsbarger, Sami Fine, Hailey Jackson, Emily Johnson, Gianna Kafer, Carlie McCaffree, Grace Palmer, Amara Pippin, Hailee Richter, Hannah Tietz, Kaeth Zachary, and Taylor Zoglmann.

The eighth-grade roster includes Jayden Chei, Sarah Creasy, CayLee Crews, Miranda Crews, Lauren Eaton, Sammy Gundy, Makayla Haner, Alyssa Meisenheimer, Alaina Morgan, Abby Norcross, Halley Otter, Lily Quitno, Haiden Richmond, and Haley Toland.