Armes, Lila Taylor and Lilian Mitchell. Back row; head coach Taylor Sloss, Rylee Huffman, Emma Lindsey,
Aubri Trivette, Olivia Nelms, Makenzly Tate, Ava Nelms, Lilly Thomas, manager Dakota Fink and coach Suzanne Crawford.
The Craig County volleyball team will open the season Tuesday, August 25, with a match against Liberty High School in Bedford. The Rockets are looking to improve on last year’s 4-15 record with a strong group of returnees and some young talent moving up to the varsity.
Craig’s Annalese Zimmerman returns after making second team All-Pioneer District last fall. “Her skills and leadership will be an asset to the team,” said coach Suzanne Crawford.
Emily Smith was a first team all-district player last year but she’ll miss the season after suffering an ACL injury early in the summer.
“She will be missed not only for her talent but also for her positive attitude and determination to do her best and give 110 percent during the season,” said Crawford. “Her attitude often rubbed off on her teammates. She will be greatly missed, but we wish her a speedy recovery so we can watch her do what she loves.”
Also returning this year is setter Natalie Fisher, who will run a 5-1 offense. Lakin May will return as libero, playing for Annika Zimmerman in the back row. Holley Givens is returning as an outside hitter.
Craig has added several new players to the varsity team. Alley Calfee, a freshman, brings many talents to the team. She will play as a middle hitter.
“Alley is a well-rounded player,” said Crawford. “Her setting, positive attitude, and leadership are a great addition to the team.”
Addison Higgens also moved up to the varsity team after setting for the JV team last year. Addison is a strong offensive and defensive player and can also help with setting if needed.
Bry Mitchell, Georgia Cyrus and Mia Beller are also new additions to the team. Mia is a freshman who brings a strong outside hit and strong serving and passing. Bry played back-row defense last year and will play some back row this year while working on hitting.
The Rockets have scrimmages with William Fleming and Rockbridge County this week before opening next Tuesday. Crawford is optimistic the team will be competitive and much improved.
“My goal this season is to play strongly and come out on top,” she said. “With new talent on the team and the start of a fresh season, we plan to experiment with the 5-1 strategy and hopefully leverage it to our benefit.”
Lauren Weeks is returning as JV head coach and is also an assistant to the varsity team. Craig has added former Rocket standout Taylor Sloss to the coaching staff to coach the middle school team and assist with the varsity.
“She brings a wealth of volleyball knowledge to the program,” said Crawford of Sloss. “We’re lucky to have her.”
The Rockets look to make some noise in the Pioneer District. It looks like a balanced district with the season set to begin.
“All our district teams are rebuilding this year,” said Crawford. “Eastern Montgomery and Narrows consistently perform well, while Bath County is also expected to be competitive. I think we can outperform any of these teams with enough effort and commitment. We possess considerable talent, and if the girls keep training as they have been, they will be a formidable team this season.”
