Despite losing several key pieces from last year’s team to graduation, the Carthage volleyball team—under first-year head coach Chloe Allmoslecher—is hungry for even more success in 2022.
The Tigers finished with an 18-14-1 record last season and graduated the team leader in kills, OH Sydnee Dudolski, as well as libero Olivia Bourgalt, MH Sophie Shannon and MH/OH Grace Pickering. Fortunately, Carthage returns plenty of experience with seniors Abby Holderbaum (RS), Raven Probert (setter) and MH Mia De La Pena coming back alongside juniors Riann Schwartz (DS) and Ava Bourgalt (DS).
“Our girls have loved summer, but they are definitely looking forward to getting into regular season competition,” Allmoslecher said to SoMo Sports. “There is just something about stepping on the court for your first official practice. I’m not sure I know how to explain it, but let me tell you, the atmosphere has been fun to be a part of. Our seniors do a great job setting the tone every day in practice and it’s neat to see the ripple effect of their efforts. I have been proud of the team for coming in every day with high intensity and focus as they work towards all that is ahead. They are such a hard-working group.”
A trio of seniors—DS Kailyn Schultz, MH Kinley Adams and OH Brielle Cartwright—as well as a pair of sophomores—S/RS Jaidyn Brunnert and RS Millie Templeman—will be some of the new faces to the varsity squad this season who are expected to help the team compete. Junior Hadlie Ralston and sophomores Peyton Ray, Bella Coy and Zye Clark also figure to contribute as depth.
“We have high hopes for our season this year,” Allmoslecher said. “We saw a lot of growth this summer and we are excited to be back in the gym getting better. We plan to take it one game at a time—preparing, working hard, and trusting the process. We would love to see a district title in our future.”
The returning experience has provided quality leadership to this point leading up to the start of the regular season, and that may be one of the biggest strengths for the Tigers this year.
“Our biggest strength will be the fire this group has,” Allmoslecher said. “We have a big group of seniors who are hungry to finish strong and compete. Our underclassmen are on board and eager to step on the floor and make a difference.”
That leadership will be key for Carthage. With so many seniors on the roster, it allows the younger players to gain experience while navigating the unavoidable growing pains of playing at the varsity level. With experience comes confidence, and Coach Allmoslecher feels that will be the biggest key to the Tigers’ success this season and beyond.
“As a coach, I truly believe if you can build a player’s confidence, you can build a great player,” she said. “My hope is for these girls to believe they can win every time they step on the floor no matter who is on the other side of the net. Helping the girls grow in their volleyball abilities is a small part of a bigger picture. One day volleyball will end, and I hope these girls have a lot more than volleyball fundamentals to show for all the time they’ve put in.”
Carthage kicks off the season participating in the Bentonville Early Bird tournament on Aug. 27, taking on Kickapoo, Rock Bridge and Bentonville.
