As the Galion Lady Tigers prepare for a new volleyball season, head coach Kathleen Davis is focused on one key theme: purpose. With four graduated seniors gone and six seniors leading this year’s team, Davis is committed to building a cohesive unit where every action, both on and off the court, is intentional.

“Everything we do — every hit, pass, and play — has a purpose,” Davis emphasized. This mantra will be at the heart of the team’s development as it works toward a successful season.

“I’m expecting to see a lot of growth from the bottom up,” Davis said. “We’ve got a junior who’s coming back –Maddy Roseberry – we have high expectations for her this season. She’s taking the big outside spot this year, and she’s going to have to kind of step up and be that go-to person more often than she has in the past.”

The Lady Tigers lost three starters from last season, creating opportunities for returning players to rise to the challenge. Among them, Davis highlighted Madelyn Schieber, Jillian Capretta, Audrey Glew, and Cam Eckert as key players who will be crucial to the team’s success.

Schieber, who served as the team’s setter last season, is a versatile player whose position is still being determined. “Last season she set; the season before that she hit. So this season we’re just trying to figure out what’s best for the team,” Davis said.

Capretta, a seasoned player, brings significant experience to the court. “She’s our big middle,” Davis said. “She’s been playing varsity since she was a freshman. She’s probably had a big impact on the blocking side and the offensive side.”

Glew is another potential setter for the team this year and a key part of Davis’ defensive plans.

Of these players, Davis said Schieber is the one to watch. “Madelyn Schieber will probably be the biggest player this season. Jillian Capretta will probably be right behind her and then Maddy Roseberry.”

The influx of eager freshmen presents another exciting opportunity for growth. With six seniors set to graduate, Davis is focused on preparing the younger players for the future.

“We’re kind of excited because with six seniors, most of them will have to take those spots next year. They’re going to have to grow quickly this year to be able to fill those spots and be able to be on the varsity court,” Davis said.

One of Davis’ main goals this season is making sure that those freshmen are ready for next year. Each of them will likely have to have some court time this season in order to be ready to play at the varsity level next season.

Hannah Bryan is a correspondent for the Galion Inquirer. She can be reached at [email protected].