RHS: Staying strong to the finish is a priority for Golden Tigers
RUSSELLVILLE — The Golden Tigers have opened the volleyball season with head coach Madison Lamon entering her second year at the helm.
RHS will compete in AHSAA Class 5A Area 15 with the Lawrence County Red Devils and West Point Warriors.
Lamon said she’s “incredibly excited,” calling this year’s team “a truly special group.”
“I have been so impressed with their commitment and passion for the game.”
That effort, she said, has already started to set the tone for the season.
“They’ve been working hard in the offseason, and I believe that dedication will make a big impact on the court this year.”
Lamon said she’s confident the group has what it takes to compete at a high level.
“I can’t wait to see what they accomplish together on and off the court.”
She also noted the preseason went “very well,” with the team showing improvements “in all areas.”
“They’ve been committed to pushing themselves and each other to reach their full potential, and I love seeing that level of accountability within the team.”
She cited their willingness to challenge each other in a positive way as one of the team’s strongest traits, something she says creates a “competitive and supportive environment.”
Lamon said that quality will be key to the Golden Tigers’ success this year.
“With that foundation, leadership will play a crucial role in guiding the team,” she said.
She will look to seniors Laila Hill (No. 4) and Fatima Ramirez (No. 6) to lead on and off the court. Other leaders include returning starters Bri McCulloch and Blevyn Sappington from her sophomore class. A top newcomer to watch is Adaleigh Smith, who was moved up at the end of last season but suffered an ankle injury after just a few matches.
“We’ve placed her in a new position this year,” Lamon said, “and she’s stepped up big time. She’s working hard, adjusting quickly and always giving her best with a great attitude.”
Beyond individual growth, Lamon said teamwide goals remain a daily focus.
“One of our biggest goals is to be intentional every day, whether in practice or on game day,” she said. “We want to maintain consistency in everything we do. Another major emphasis is on finishing strong.” That focus comes after lessons learned in several close games last season where the Golden Tigers struggled to close out matches.
Members of the RHS volleyball team are, back row, head coach Madison Lamon, Erin Grimes, Blevyn Sappington, Bella Malone, Laila Hill, Adaleigh Smith, Brookelyn Davis, Alexia Groce, assistant coach Lexi Lamon; front row, Kaylee Suggs, Bri McCulloch, Fatima Ramirez and Khristyan Huerta.
“Last season, we had several close games where we took our foot off the gas, and that’s something we’ve worked hard to correct.”
As she continues to build the RHS program, Lamon said her top priority is helping athletes grow daily, not just as players but as “confident, accountable and kind individuals.”
“We focus on our core values like hard work, character and leadership, knowing these qualities matter beyond volleyball.”
It’s a vision she hopes will leave a lasting mark on the program, both on the court and in the community.
“My goal is for RHS volleyball to be known not only for our success on the court, but for how our players carry themselves off it.”
