Coming Friday: Cedar Bluff volleyball preview

By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director

GAYLESVILLE – Last volleyball season, Kaylee Brannon was a new head coach on the varsity level at Gaylesville. One of her main priorities was changing the Lady Trojans’ mindset of not being able to compete with some teams on the opposite side of the net.

In year two, Brannon feels that mindset has changed. Now her focal point for the upcoming 2024 season is working on “skills, muscle memory, and drill, drill, drill.”

“I feel like this year they’re inexperienced, but they understand the coaching style more,” Brannon said. “I think we’re going to see big growth after they get some games under their belts. We practiced more than we played this summer. I don’t know if that was the right move yet, but we’ll see. I really feel like practicing more than we played this summer is what they needed. I feel like it would’ve overwhelmed them if we played as much as we did last year.”

As Brannon alluded, Gaylesville is replacing four seniors from last season, including all-county setter Emma Givens. She’s hoping freshman Chloe Collins can step into that role. Collins will also see some playing time on the right side as well.

Brannon said Collins is like a sponge that soaks up everything thrown her way.

“Chloe is one of the best athletes in this school,” Brannon said. “Everything just about comes naturally to her. I think she’s come a long way this year. She’s been very positive. She’s not been hard on herself. Her setting is so good. She’s almost to the point where our setter was last year. That’s a huge compliment because Emma was an amazing setter. She’s already getting there.”

Joining Collins on the right side is a pair of eighth graders in Abbie Bishop and Aubree Colbert. Colbert could also see playing time on the back row at libero.

Anchoring the left side is senior Aubrie Peek and freshman Lydia Reynolds. Peek and Reynolds will also play some on the back row.

Brannon says senior Alyssa Calvert is the team’s best hitter and could play anywhere on the court, but she needs her skills as a blocker in the middle. Calvert collected 197 kills, 91 digs, 41 aces and 19 blocks last season.

Joining Calvert in the middle is eighth grader Bayleigh Ratliff. Ratliff will also see some playing time on the back row.

“Bailey is very raw, but she’s also very much like a sponge. She does not like to mess up. She’s very natural in the middle. The ball finds her,” Brannon said.

Seniors Paige Sullivan and Audrie Brown will help provide depth on the back row. This is the first year both Sullivan and Brown have played volleyball.

“They have the best energy,” Brannon said of Sullivan and Brown. “They have great attitudes. They come out here every day and work just as hard as everybody else.”

Junior Annabelle West could also see playing time on the court as well, Brannon said.

Gaylesville competes in a revamped Class 1A Area 12, which features defending state champion Spring Garden, Woodland (down from 2A), Faith Christian and Jacksonville Christian. The Lady Trojans open the 2024 season at Faith Christian on Aug. 22.

“Our schedule is tough, but it’s winnable,” Brannon said. “I don’t think they get yet how good they can be, but I’m hoping they realize it and it will click with them.”