By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

CENTRE – It’s been a different offseason for the Cherokee County Lady Warrior volleyball team, in more ways than one.

For the first time in school history, the Lady Warriors are defending Class 4A state champions. However, four of those key championship players have now graduated. Add to that Cherokee County is now competing in a new area along with Crossville, Guntersville, Sardis and Scottsboro, and the path back to Birmingham becomes a new challenge.

But that’s just fine with the Lady Warriors.

“Winning a state championship changed the way people look at our program, but it doesn’t change who we are or how we approach the game,” head coach Tiffany Rieger said. “We know teams are going to come after us and would love to be able to say they beat a reigning state champion. But I want our girls to stay focused on what got us here in the first place — working hard, playing for each other, and holding ourselves to a high standard every day.

“The biggest thing I want our girls to understand is that last year was last year. We’re proud of what that team accomplished, and that championship will always be a huge part of our program’s history, but this is a new season and a new team. We have to go out and earn everything all over again.”

One thing Rieger said she’s trying to instill with these girls is getting them to understand they are their own team.

“We can’t expect them to be exactly like last year’s team, and I don’t want them to feel like they have to be,” Rieger said. “Last year’s group accomplished something special, and we’re extremely proud of them, but this group is made up of different personnel. They have the opportunity to create their own identity and their own legacy.”

Two key players the Lady Warriors have returning are senior outside hitter Ava Haygood and junior middle hitter Jolie Alexander.

Haygood had 459 kills, 314 digs, 71 aces, 30 blocks, and 31 assists last season. Alexander accounted for 297 kills, 102 digs, 76 aces, 66 blocks, and 17 assists.

Shortly after winning last year’s state title, both Haygood and Alexander had already turned their thoughts to running it back.

“Ava and Jolie are definitely two of the biggest leaders on the team, and I think their experience and their desire to win are going to be really important for us,” Rieger said. “They both have high expectations for themselves and for the team, and they understand what it takes to compete at a high level. Both of them are very driven, and I love that they’re not satisfied with just winning one.

“That kind of mindset is contagious, and hopefully, that will make a big impact on this year’s group. We need that because we can’t rely on just two girls to carry us. We need all of our girls to step up and take ownership of this team. Ava and Jolie will help set the tone, but everyone has to be willing to do their part.”

Junior setter Mattie Green is another returning starter for the Lady Warriors. Rieger said she’s already “taking on a leadership role.”

“Mattie is the kind of teammate who is selfless and willing to do whatever she needs to help us be successful,” Rieger said. “She is a very versatile player and has quickly embraced our need for her to be a factor, both as a hitter and now as a setter.”

Taniya Fife, Harleigh Henry and Sydni Frost played mostly on the Lady Warriors’ junior varsity squad last season but also saw some time with the varsity. Fife is a junior middle blocker/outside hitter. Henry, a junior, will play on the right side. Frost is a sophomore setter.

“We need all of them to step up in some big ways this season,” Rieger said. “They all have experience. They understand what we expect. I think they’re ready to take on those bigger roles.”

Rounding out the Lady Warrior roster is eighth grader Bailey Betterton and junior Mary Charlotte Allen. Rieger said Betterton has “jumped right in and fit well” with this year’s group.

“She’s working hard to improve in the roles we need her to play,” Rieger said.

Allen is new to the game this year, Rieger said.

“She was one of our managers last year, loved the environment, and wanted to be a part of the team,” Rieger said. “She’s not new to athletics. She is a decorated gymnast and has also been successful in track. She’s now dedicated herself to learning the game and being able to contribute here as well.”

As mentioned, the Lady Warriors are competing in the new Class 4A, Area 16. They are the only team within the area that wasn’t playing in Class 5A last season.

“Cherokee County barely qualified to be 4A, so the numbers certainly aren’t in our favor, but that’s nothing new for us,” Rieger said. “On paper, a lot of people probably didn’t expect us to beat Prattville Christian last year either. That’s just another part of what made that accomplishment so special.

“These girls have shown they’re willing to compete, regardless of who is on the other side of the net or what other people’s expectations may be. Personally, I don’t mind being considered the underdog. If we continue to focus on controlling what we can control, trusting the process, and believing in each other, I think we have an opportunity to have another very successful season.”

The Lady Warriors open the 2026 season at home on Thursday against Geraldine and Scottsboro beginning at 5 p.m.