Red Bay volleyball builds confidence with new approach
The Red Bay Tigers volleyball team is bringing a new approach to the court this year, with a stronger focus on defense, teamwork and mental toughness.
Coach Jade Hallmark said the team has made noticeable progress through its practices and summer competition. She said the players have embraced changes to the way they defend and play the game.
“I can already tell a very big difference in just the way we play and our team,” Hallmark said. “The girls are a little bit closer than what they were last year. The chemistry is there.”
The Tigers are using a 6-2 offense, with senior Addyson Blackburn and sophomore Brittan Gasaway handling the setter positions. Blackburn played outside hitter last season but has returned to her primary position as a setter.
Hallmark said the lineup can change based on performance, telling players that playing time must be earned.
Sophomore Kamryn Kuykendall is one of the team’s returning hitters. Freshman McKenna McKelroy has also moved up and is expected to make an impact.
“She’s very confident, she can swing,” Hallmark said of McKelroy. “If she can get her a good set, she can fly.”
Sophomore middle blocker Katlyn Lindley is another player Hallmark expects to make a difference. Hallmark said Lindley’s athleticism allows her to be a strong presence at the net.
Serving is another area where Hallmark believes the Tigers can be successful. Blackburn, Gasaway, Kuykendall and McKelroy are among the team’s top servers.
“We are very confident with our serving,” Hallmark said. “I’ve had some teams tell me this year that our serving was going to do us a lot of good.”
The team is also adjusting to a volleyball rule change that allows teams to use two liberos. Hallmark planned to use senior Aryana Neighbors and sophomore Hunter Liles in those defensive roles.
Neighbors, however, suffered a broken wrist shortly before the season and is expected to miss several weeks. Hallmark said she hopes Neighbors can return around late September or early October.
Liles is expected to take on a larger defensive role while Neighbors recovers.
Beyond skills and strategy, Hallmark said mental toughness is one of the biggest areas of emphasis for the Tigers.
During a “crucible week,” players faced challenges designed to test their focus and ability to recover from mistakes. Hallmark said she wants her players to learn not to let one mistake affect the next play.
“I just expect 100 percent effort,” Hallmark said. “Don’t let one mistake dictate how the whole game is going to go.”
With a mix of returning players and younger athletes stepping into larger roles, Hallmark said the team’s growing chemistry and confidence could be among its biggest strengths.
“If we can give 100 percent effort every single ball, I think we’ll be OK,” Hallmark said.
