Coach confident in team’s abilities, cohesion

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Cassville volleyball enters the 2026 season with a veteran core, a growing program and expectations of making a deeper postseason run.

Coach Paige Huddleston said the program has continued to build a strong foundation while developing greater depth throughout its roster. That depth could make practices more competitive and strengthen the Lady Wildcats from the top down.

“Our program stands on a strong foundation but is in a state of constant development and growth,” Huddleston said. “We have talent deep into our roster this season with our veteran players in pivotal roles on the floor.”

Cassville returns four seniors with extensive varsity experience, led by setter Taylor Kennedy, outside hitter Audrey Kennedy, libero Kami Stough and right-side/middle hitter Keely Bailey.

Taylor Kennedy returns for her fourth season as a varsity setter after earning All-District and All-Conference honors. She directed the Lady Wildcats in a 5-1 offense last season and will again be counted on to control the floor.

“Taylor is calm in the chaos of the game,” Huddleston said. “Her confidence has grown significantly in the past few seasons, and we will look to her to lead this experienced group.”

Audrey Kennedy also enters her fourth season as a varsity starter. The All-District and All-Conference selection has established herself as a six-rotation player capable of contributing in every phase.

“She is a true all-around player balancing an aggressive serving game with high level defense and relentless attacking,” Huddleston said.

Stough moves into the libero role after spending the past two seasons making strides as a defensive specialist.

“She has put in a lot of hard work in the off season to sharpen her defense and elevate her game,” Huddleston said.

Bailey brings another intriguing piece to the veteran group. Injuries have limited her since her freshman season, but she has worked during the offseason to return to competition. Huddleston said Bailey could make an impact as both a blocker and hitter on the right side.

Junior middle hitter Sammi Stockton rounds out the returning varsity group. Although Huddleston said she does not fit the traditional mold of a tall middle hitter, Stockton’s intelligence and work ethic allow her to create problems at the net.

“Sammi makes her own waves with her grit and unyielding hard work,” Huddleston said.

Cassville also has several younger players competing for expanded varsity roles.

Junior outside hitters Abbi Yarnall and Isabel Castleberry both saw varsity action last season after spending time on the junior varsity squad. Huddleston said both could take on more consistent roles on the outside as their confidence and consistency continue to develop.

Yarnall brings energy to the floor, while Castleberry has a powerful swing that could become an important offensive weapon as she becomes more consistent, Huddleston said.

Sophomore Kristel Sesenas could contribute as a defensive specialist after serving as a JV setter and varsity defensive specialist last season.

Freshman setter Reagan Truman also enters the season prepared to compete for varsity playing time. Huddleston said Truman could see time either as a setter or defensive specialist, depending on the combinations Cassville uses on the floor.

The Lady Wildcats’ biggest strength, according to Huddleston, may not be any individual skill, but rather, the chemistry that comes from a group that has played together for multiple seasons.

“Our team mentality and cohesion as a group,” Huddleston said. “This group of seniors leads our gym with a heavy emphasis on team mentality and an urgency of playing all out for those around them.”

That familiarity could be particularly valuable in close matches. Huddleston said the players have established relationships on the court and understand how to play for one another.

At the same time, Cassville will need to become more aggressive if it hopes to reach its postseason goals.

“We have to be more aggressive and be willing to take some risks,” Huddleston said. “We have talent and experience in all positions, so I think we will have to take some calculated risks, particularly in the tough matches.”

Huddleston wants the Lady Wildcats to become more aggressive during transition and also take advantage of opportunities when they are in system. The schedule is designed to provide opportunities to do just that.

Cassville will face larger programs such as Neosho and Hillcrest, along with consistently competitive teams, including Clever and Diamond, during its non-conference schedule. Huddleston said playing difficult opponents early should prepare the Lady Wildcats for conference and postseason competition.

The Sept. 29 home match against Lamar is one game Huddleston has circled. While she said every conference match provides an opportunity for a strong home crowd to give Cassville an advantage, the Lamar match carries additional appeal because of the atmosphere created by Lamar’s student section when the Lady Wildcats travel there.

“I would love to pack our stands and make a resounding presence as fans when we battle it out,” Huddleston said.

Beyond the individual wins and losses, Huddleston said the program’s growth is evident in its numbers and depth. The increased participation has created more competition throughout the gym, which she believes will benefit the entire program.

The Lady Wildcats’ goals remain centered on continued improvement and making a deeper postseason run than in previous seasons.

“We always expect to get better as the season progresses and really show confidence going into the postseason,” Huddleston said. “Because of the varsity experience in our returning players, they have high expectations and want to go farther in the post season than previous years.”

Huddleston also pointed to a characteristic she believes distinguishes this year’s group — its faith and humility.

“Every team has talent, experience and hard work, but this group particularly has a profound faith; in each other, in us as coaches, and in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Huddleston said.

She said the players’ willingness to put the team ahead of themselves has made an impression beyond the volleyball court.

As younger players push the veteran group in practice and the seniors take on greater leadership responsibilities, Huddleston expects the competition to continue raising the program’s level.

“It’s going to be a fun season with some of the young talent coming up and pushing our older girls,” Huddleston said. “Our program continues to grow and we just want to keep chasing progress.”

Cassville’s first regular-season contest is on the road at Neosho on Sept. 1. The home opener is on Sept. 10 against Hillcrest.