WOODWARD — For the first time in several years, the tiniest chink in the stout armor of Woodward-Granger’s volleyball program might be visible.
Gone are five veteran starters, include the school’s all-time service, ace and block leaders, players who helped W-G to a 91-26 record the past three years, a stretch that includes three consecutive unblemished WCAC titles (24-0). The Hawks have dropped all of two sets — two sets — in the past three conference seasons, while the only losses to schools their own size (2A) or smaller have come in the prior three postseasons.
“I don’t know if the girls now that much detail, but they for sure know about 24-0,” veteran head coach Meg Jackson laughed. “They know we are everyone’s target, and they feed off it. We wouldn’t have it any other way, because it means we are playing good volleyball.”
Jackson has demonstrated the ability to call the proper shots and fill holes with the right personnel over the years, but rarely does any team lose five starters at once. One example of the pressing need for new faces to step up is behind the line, where the Hawks have only one player returning with more than 20 varsity serve attempts.
“One of the best part of coaching is seeing girls step up and into roles and leadership spots, and sometimes it happens with girls who themselves didn’t expect to be the one,” Jackson said. “I am already seeing that happen, and let me say this: I would rather be trying to build a puzzle with the pieces we have here than anywhere else. It will take us some time to smooth some things out, but we will be fine as we go along. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us anyway, and we certainly are not.”
Jackson said the pre-season focus had been on repetition.
“Just tons and tons of everything,” she said. “We have been going three hours each night, doing 500 of this, 500 of that — really putting in the reps. I can already see the benefits, and no one is complaining, because I think the girls can sense it, too.”
“They understand it won’t be as easy as just going out there,” Jackson added. “But some of these girls have been working hard for a few years, waiting for their time, and now it is here. They very much want to make their own statement, and add it to what the girls before them have done.”
Senior Alyssa Bice will play a huge role for the Hawks this year. She had 446 assists, 159 digs and 20 blocks last year along with 74 kills. Bice served 301-of-344 (.875) with 47 aces and is the lone server returning with any experience to speak of.
Emma Drake will fill in at setter with Bice, and has shown early promise in practices, prompting Jackson to say “She is already a very different player than she was a few weeks ago.”
Jackson also noted the aggressive play of Anna Tague and Alissa Smeltzer, two juniors who will see time at the hitting spots.
Julie Pitman will start up front, as will fellow senior Ashley Gales. Pitman had 74 kills, 43 blocks and 30 digs last year, with Gales providing 60 kills and 38 blocks.
Kaycee Major will take her 154 digs and move into the libero role, with Katelyn Bandstra a back row specialist. Ashlyn Soelberg and Marissa Pasker will also see playing time.
“I tell all the girls — if you are wearing a varsity jersey, that means you better be ready to play varsity volleyball,” Jackson said. “You never know when it might be your turn, and we are going to need every girl to be ready, every night.”
The Hawks open their campaign, as per tradition, at the day-long Bondurant-Farrar tournament Saturday. They will then visit West Central Valley August 29 before playing in the ADM Tourney August 31. The home opener is not until September 12 when Des Moines Christian visits for what could be a crucial WCAC match.
