Big hopes for Lady Bears volleyball

Coming out of a 21-win season last year and replacing only two starters, the future is the rosiest shade of maroon for the Willow Springs Lady Bears. According to Head Coach Christina Collins, community support is at an all-time high as well. 

 

The team’s fourth annual fundraising auction and serve-a-thon raised approximately $9,000. Not only were the athletes successful in obtaining donations virtually everywhere they inquired, but the crowd who showed up to spend and sponsor serves, was “the best crowd,” the team has seen. 

 

Collins said the funds raised will go toward pink-out game jerseys, team shoes, knee and elbow pads and more equipment the girls need to succeed. 

 

This season, the Lady Bears are stacked with upper classmen. Eight returning seniors and four juniors bring a wealth of experience to the court this year. 

 

“That makes a big difference,” Collins commented. 

 

Lady Bears volleyball saw more wins in 2023 than they had in six or seven years, Collins said. 

 

“Honestly, we should do that again this year, if not better,” she said. 

 

The chemistry among players who have played together for so long is key.

 

“Our girls are so close. They have a true friendship. That helps us – we can be more competitive, tell each other how to improve, push each other to get better,” Collins said. 

 

The Lady Bears will rely on their starters to lead the team through an exciting season. Starting this year are —Paisley Crudgington, Karson Gilbert, Sydney Stuart, Alexis Sigman, Mckensie Collins, Zoey Holmes, Aleisha Shanks, and Hynlie Johnson. 

 

Their first match-up is against the West Plains Lady Zizzers. Last year, the Lady Bears played them at home, ultimately losing by only two points after five sets. In a summer skills camp in Branson, the girls from Willow managed to win over the Zizzers in two sets, Collins reports. 

 

“It will be a very, very good game,” she said.