By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

CENTRE – The 2024 volleyball season marked the second straight year the Cherokee County Lady Warriors advanced to the Class 4A state tournament in Birmingham. They lost to eventual state champion Prattville Christian in the Elite 8, bringing their season to a close at 42-16.

With all but two players returning from last season, the Lady Warriors know even bigger things will be expected from them in 2025.

“As they say, pressure is a privilege, and this group has absolutely earned that,” Cherokee County head coach Tiffany Rieger said. “Having a target on your back means you’ve done something worth chasing, and these girls have worked hard to be in that position. I expect they’ll embrace it the same way they’ve handled every challenge: with focus, humility, and determination.

“Their past success should give them confidence, but they also know there’s still more to accomplish. They haven’t reached their ultimate goal yet, and that is what continues to drive them. I have no doubt they’ll keep pushing themselves to play at the level it takes to get there.”

The Lady Warriors have certainly come a long way from a few years ago. Most of them were thrown in the fire as eighth graders on varsity, but now they’re finally reaping the rewards of some tough seasons early in their varsity careers.

“It’s incredibly satisfying, more than I can really put into words,” Rieger said. “That first year was tough. We only won nine matches, but they never backed down. Instead, they used it as fuel. They kept showing up, kept working, and never stopped believing in the process.”

One of the key contributors the Lady Warriors have returning is senior setter and last year’s Co-All-Cherokee County Most Valuable Player Macy Lea. Lea, who battled her way back from an avulsion fracture in her fibula last September, posted 1,068 assists, 204 digs, 93 kills, 29 aces and 15 blocks for the Lady Warriors last season.

“I always compare the role of a setter in volleyball to a quarterback in football. Everything runs through them,” Rieger said. “Macy’s ability to make quick decisions is critical to our success, and I have complete confidence in her. She not only brings a high volleyball IQ but also a genuine passion for the game and her teammates. In my opinion, she’ll go down as the best setter to ever come through this program.”

Two of the Lady Warriors’ other top talents surrounding Lea is senior middle/outside hitter Neveah Gaidurgis (515 kills, 303 digs, 63 aces, 54 blocks and 22 assists) and senior libero Ellisan Givens (689 digs, 145 aces, 104 assists and 14 kills).

“People have started calling Macy, Vae, and Ellie our ‘Big Three,’ and I think that fits,” Rieger said. “You’ve got offense and defense working hand in hand with those three, and the chemistry they share is special. They’ve played together for so long they know each other’s habits, how to lift each other up, and how to respond when things aren’t going our way. They genuinely love and respect one another, and that makes a huge difference.

“Each of them has already earned plenty of honors, but I expect them to push themselves even further this season, especially knowing it’s their last run together as teammates.”

The Lady Warriors also return another senior in three-year starter Raegan Garmany.

“We expect her to continue being a strong blocker and a reliable offensive option on the right side,” Rieger said.

Junior Ava Haygood returns at outside hitter after finishing last season with nearly 450 kills. Rieger said she’s excited to see her take on an even bigger role in 2025.

In the middle, Rieger said sophomore Jolie Alexander “plays well beyond her age.”

“She had an outstanding freshman year, and knowing what a hard worker she is, we’re confident she’ll build on that success.”

Stepping into the starting lineup on the outside this year is sophomore Mattie Green. Rieger said Green is “a natural athlete with a lot of drive and discipline.”

“She’s quickly meshed well with our returning starters,” Rieger said. “She shares their excitement and goals for the season, and we look forward to seeing all that she will contribute this year.”

Freshman Jesslyn Hincy is the Lady Warrior defensive specialist.

“She’s put in a lot of work in the offseason, and her volleyball IQ and vocal presence will be a great help to us this year,” Rieger said.

To prepare themselves for the 2025 season, the Lady Warriors had several play dates during the summer, including at Supreme Courts in Guntersville, Snead State Community College, and Southside of Gadsden. Cherokee County also had Randy Gardner from Bama Elite come in and lead a two-day camp on campus, and attended team camp at UT Chattanooga, where they came away as tournament champions.

All of that summer preparation was for a challenging schedule this season, which opens with Gordon Lee of Georgia in a tri-match at Sand Rock on Thursday.

“My goal was to put together the toughest schedule we could to prepare us for the postseason,” Rieger said. “We’re facing top competition from all classifications.

“I’m especially excited about the tournaments we’re in this year. On opening weekend, we’ll be at Curry’s Smith Lake Classic against strong 4A teams like Orange Beach, Madison County, and West Morgan. We’ll also compete in the Heff-Strong Tournament hosted by Spain Park, and Supreme Courts’ Tournament of Champions, which will give us great tests throughout the season.”

Another tournament that should give the Lady Warriors a test is the Cherokee County Tournament, which also features two-time defending Class 1A state champion Spring Garden, 2024 Class 2A North Super Regional participant Cedar Bluff, and perennial 2A state tournament participant Sand Rock.

Hosted this year by Cherokee County High School, the county tournament has a new wrinkle this season. In addition to a junior varsity county tournament, the championship matches will be played at Richard Lindsey Arena at Gadsden State-Cherokee on Monday, Sept. 29.

“(Sand Rock) Coach (Lisa) Bates, (Spring Garden) Coach (Ricky) Austin and I are always looking for ways to grow and support volleyball in our area,” Rieger said. “It’s a great reward for the teams that make it that far, and a great way to continue promoting the sport.”

Once again, Cherokee County competes in Class 4A, Area 12 along with Alexandria, Anniston, Hokes Bluff and White Plains.

“For us, the key will be focusing on our game, no matter who’s on the other side of the net,” Rieger said.