Less than a year removed from winning her second state title as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs, Jennifer Golden is bullish on her team's chances of competing again for the conference and state crowns in 2018, despite losing nine seniors to graduation last May.
Greenwood defeated Jonesboro in four sets last October to claim the 6A state title, completing back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time in school history. The Lady Bulldogs finished 32-7 overall last year.
The senior class this fall will be much smaller than last year's, but Coach Golden is high on their level of experience, talent, and leadership ability. Returning seniors are Abby Cagle, Kayley Lawson, and Julia Brixey.
“My three seniors are just a joy to be around,” said the coach. “All of them have played in the program since 7th grade and will bring a lot of depth to our team. Abby is a returning starter from last year's championship team, and she will be looked to for her leadership [and] her play at the outside position.
“Kayley has really put some work in this past off season and she is working hard to earn a starting position on the varsity team. Julia has a work ethic second to none,” said Golden. “She always has a great attitude and brings it to the gym every single day. She will be looked to for her leadership on and off the court.”
Asked about the positive fallout after winning the state title, Golden said, “We've had such a great response from our fans and the Greenwood community. We live in the best town, and the love that's been shown to us has just been amazing. From Chief Dawson and the police department, to Mayor Kinslow and the City Council, and everyone in between. We couldn't have hoped for a better place that has celebrated us the way Greenwood has.”
The squad just held its annual team clinic last week with guest volleyball instructor Matt Sonnichsen and is nearing its season opener next week, a benefit match at Rogers on the 16th. A match at Fayetteville will follow on the 20th, then the home opener against Rogers Heritage on August 21st.
Between professional development sessions, team practice, and last Monday's open house for Greenwood schools, Coach Golden shared her views on how the team is shaping up so far in the preseason.
“Returning this year is starting outside hitters Abby Cagle and Zoie Benton, and starting middle hitter Camryn Presley, who will also be taking on a new role at the setter position [while] continuing at the MH position,” said Golden.
“Izzy Davis is also returning as a defensive specialist,” added the coach. “I feel like we have a great core group to balance out those who will be replacing the seniors that graduated.
“Anna Johnson will take on the role of our other setter. She's worked really hard in the off-season on her footwork, different sets and tempo, to up her game and get ready for the varsity level.
“Larkin Luke is also a newcomer that will make some waves this year,” said Golden. “She brings a lot to our front row and really [fits in at the] other middle hitter position well. We're also looking at Josie Chapple on the back row to come in and play some great defense.”
Asked about potential rivals in conference play and on the state level, Golden said, “Our conference has changed again and we are gaining four teams that I don't know much about. But I'm sure that Siloam Springs and Russellville will both be in the fight this year.”
Both of those teams are in the newly configured 5A West, along with Greenwood, Alma, Beebe, Greenbrier, Little Rock Christian, and Vilonia. The Arkansas Activities Association has done away with Class 7A in all athletics except for football, leaving just six classifications for all non-gridiron sports.
“With our win against Jonesboro in the championship last year, I know they will be right back at it,” said Golden of the Lady Hurricanes. “They only graduated one senior, so they will basically be the same team with another full year of experience.
“Benton is another team that I think will be in the mix [at state]. They are very competitive and have some up-and-coming underclassmen that are pretty good,” said the GHS coach.
Asked about potential team strengths and pitfalls, Golden responded, “When you look at our team, you really see how big we are. We will be a force on the front row with our hitting and blocking.
“[But] graduating nine seniors last year really changes the culture and leadership level we have. We definitely have some kids that can step up, but it's a process working those kids into those positions and learning the best way ahead.”
So patience is required, especially in the early going as these girls learn their roles and gain experience and confidence. But Greenwood's winning tradition means a lot, and many of these Lady Bulldogs have already been to the mountaintop and know what it takes to get back there. They have a state title to defend, so don't be surprised if they make another run in 2018.