Senior leadership is the name of the game this year for Danville volleyball, as the Lady Devils try to turn things around in 2023 after a 6-15 campaign last year in which they went 2-10 in KMAC play and lost the final five matches of the season.
"I am definitely hoping to see some leadership within the senior class," said Danville volleyball coach Ally Bower, who is in her second season coaching and first year coaching varsity after coaching freshman and junior varsity last season. "We have eight seniors this year, so I am hoping that they’re able to step up into a leadership position. I think that it’s a little too early to say who has improved the most, but I can clearly see improvement within the team as a whole. The girls who have been showing up are definitely working hard."
Last year the Lady Devils started off strong with a pair of wins under the helm of another first-year varsity coach, but then lost six straight to put themselves in a hole. They then went 4-4 for a stretch, but the wheels fell off as the season wore down, ending with a 3-1 tournament loss to Liberty Christian Academy.
Kenzie Neitzelt returns for her senior season after leading the Danville squad with 146 kills and 54 total blocks and also had a 19.6% hitting percentage to lead the Lady Devils and place 10th in KMAC. She was also second on the team with 22 serving aces and second with assists with 166. Her 163 digs were good for third on the team.
The Lady Devils lost several key contributors to graduation and are going to have to find ways to fill the gaps. Taryn Mickley made first-team All-KMAC last year and was the team's leader in serving aces with 34, as well as assists with 206. Fellow first-team All-KMAC honoree Leigh Johnson also graduated and was the team leader with 395 digs and 382 receptions. Shelby Colopy was an All-KMAC honorable mention and posted 45 digs.
Bower and her assistant coach Cece Newbold both played volleyball at Danville and understand the tradition the school's program holds, and it also brings a familiarity as they are back in the gym together again. While Bower said they don't have a specific system to run in place yet, she believes that hard work pays off regardless.
"If I can see that girls are giving their maximum effort, then I believe that they will earn their spot," Bower said.
Bower's coaching style is inspired by her basketball coach, Matt Proper. She said in high school Proper was influential to her and the best coach she ever had, leaving a huge impact. Proper stressed effort in his coaching, which is something Bower strongly believes in.
"Looking at myself as a coach, I can see how his coaching ways have impacted mine," Bower said.
Last season was a learning year for both Bower as a coach and the girls as a team. She said the focus was mainly on defensive strategy, and she feels this will carry over into this season with her at the helm. Bower plans to also emphasize improving the offensive side of the game.
"I am hoping to give the girls an enjoyable season, and create a good and fun environment for them," Bower said. "So far this year, the underclassmen have definitely been showing up and showing some great skill. I’m very excited for this season and hopefully get a few wins under our belt! Go blue!"
The Lady Devils have begun the season with a pair of road wins under their belt, opening the campaign with a 3-1 win at Granville Christian Academy on August 19 and following it up with a 3-0 victory at Mount Gilead on August 22. Neitzelt set the pace with 16 kills and 10 aces in total in the two matches. Bower is hoping the fast start for the Lady Devils this season will continue throughout the campaign.
