Exeter volleyball enters season with deep roster, new coach

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The Exeter volleyball team enters this season with a new head coach, a deep roster and a willingness to embrace change as the squad looks to take steps forward.

Incoming Coach Jordy Long, a Southwest graduate with his first head coaching job, said the players have responded well to the changes introduced during the offseason following an 8-13-3 campaign in 2025.

“We expect to be a better team this season in terms of playing more cohesively and running a more proficient offense and defense,” Long said. “I expect us to be more competitive in our matches.”

Long said the players have put in the necessary work and have remained receptive to a different approach.

“The girls have come in and worked hard, and they have been open to change,” Long said. “A lot is different this year, and I think they have handled it very well.”

One of Exeter’s biggest advantages could be its depth. Long said the number of players capable of contributing gives him flexibility.

“We have a very deep team this year, which is a great thing because it gives me more options when deciding what systems to run,” Long said.

Jaylee Hawkins will take over as the starting setter. Long said Hawkins’ versatility makes her particularly valuable to the Lady Tigers.

“She can do a little bit of everything,” Long said. “She has a nice serve, can attack when needed, is great defensively and, of course, can set the ball at a high level.”

Kahlan Fuller returns as a six-rotation player but will move from middle hitter to outside hitter.

“She was a middle hitter last season but has moved to the outside because I think she takes a better swing from there,” Long said.

Beatriz Alcaraz will provide a presence in the middle, where Long expects her blocking and attacking ability to play an important role. Madison Brattin will move to the right side and give Exeter another blocking option.

“She does a great job there and puts up a nice block,” Long said of Brattin.

Long also identified Breely Willis as a potential difference-maker for the Lady Tigers.

“Breely is going to be our X-factor,” Long said. “When she is playing well, we can play with anyone. She has the potential to put us in a great position come district play.”

Reyna Aldridge is expected to make an impact with her serving, while Ava Aldridge returns as an outside hitter.

“Reyna will really help us on the serving side,” Long said. “Her serve has a unique drop to it that makes it difficult to pass.”

Ava Aldridge’s speed should also benefit Exeter defensively, Long said.

Whitney Beck will anchor the back row as the team’s libero.

“She has been phenomenal in the back row for us,” Long said. “She can read an offense like a book and also has a nice serve that can score us some points this season.”

Exeter also has several younger players who could work their way into varsity roles.

Freshman setter Jasia Lokot brings both setting ability and defensive toughness. Long said Lokot could also see time in the back row.

“Not only does she have nice hands to set the ball, but she is a scrappy defender who won’t let the ball touch the ground,” Long said.

Freshman Tori Pippin is another player who could see varsity time, including in the back row, while Roszlynn England has emerged as a versatile piece of the roster.

“There are many things she will be able to do for this team,” Long said of England.

Exeter’s four seniors — Beck, Fuller, Hawkins and Alcaraz — will be counted on to provide leadership.

“The expectation is for them to lead the team,” Long said. “They will do a great job in that role because of the experience they have, both in volleyball and in sports in general.”

One area where Long already has confidence in the team is serving.

“I believe we will be a very good serving team,” he said. “That is something we work on every day and something we really believe in.”

Serve-receive, meanwhile, is an area Long wants the Lady Tigers to improve.

“Most teams would probably say the same thing because serve-receive is such an important part of a volleyball match,” Long said.

The schedule will provide Exeter with a mix of challenges, with Long describing it as balanced. Blue Eye and New Heights are expected to be among the tougher opponents.

One match, however, carries additional significance for Long.

“I would love to have the stands packed for every match, but the one I would really love to see packed would be when we host Southwest on Oct. 6,” Long said. “I have been a part of the Southwest volleyball program for the last eight years of my life, so I would love to have the stands full that night. I guess you could call it a revenge game for me.”

Beyond the individual players and systems, Long said the defining characteristic of this Exeter team may be the relationship between its players.

“This team has a love for one another that I have never seen in a team before,” Long said. “Not only do they love the game of volleyball, but they truly enjoy being around each other.”

Long believes that chemistry could become increasingly important as the season progresses.

“I think that will pay off in the long run and help us become more cohesive as a team,” he said.

For Long, the season also represents a personal milestone.

“This is my first season as a head coach, and I couldn’t be more excited to coach this group of girls,” Long said. “I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together this season.”

Exeter’s season begins on Thursday, when the Lady Tigers travel to Blue Eye. The home opener is Sept. 11 against Golden City.