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Sikeston volleyball seeks first winning season since 2017
SIKESTON — Coming off a difficult 5-22 season, spirits could be down within the ranks of the Sikeston volleyball program. But under new coach Chelsie Holifield, spirits are high with a mix of veterans and youth looking to give the Bulldogs their first winning season since 2017.
“Practice has been phenomenal. I look forward to it every day,” Holifield said. “The girls have learned a lot, they have a sense of urgency to compete and learn new things, and have improved so much. We start with ball handling every practice and end with competition. I truly feel these girls are ready for our first game.”
Sikeston returns three players from last year in senior Leilani Smith and juniors Shania Hodges and Emma-Claire Self.
“Shania is big in the middle and consistently kills the ball,” Holifield said. “Her blocking is also a key element for our defense so it's great to have her in the front row.”
Holifield said Smith has stepped up to fill the other middle position and is playing all the way around.
“She moves her feet well, is scrappy, and helps the team communicate more,” Holifield said.
Self will serve as the Bulldogs’ main setter.
“She has done a great job with pushing the girls to run quicks, run fun plays, and keep the girls focused and intense,” Holifield said. “She is great on defense and a solid player on the court. She also has stepped up to help our younger setter, freshman, Kennedy Watson, who will be on the varsity squad this year.”
Holifield said some of the goals for the upcoming season is to run quicks consistently and play scrappier than any one has ever seen Sikeston volleyball play while continuing to build one another up and supporting each other while accepting their roles on the team.
“This group of girls is the best group I've ever coached,” Holifield said. “They are open-minded, flexible and have come together as a family through team bonding on and off the court.
“They have true potential to win a lot of games this year. They work hard, they have great attitudes and are enthusiastic about everything we do in practice and that will take them far this season.”
The hard work started this summer as the Bulldogs took advantage of contact days allowed by MSHSAA over the summer. Sikeston played in tournaments at the SportsPlex in Cape and at Rib City Events in Dexter while also holding week-long camps and open gyms at the high school.
Many of the girls also went to SEMO Skills Camp.
“We even had strength and conditioning days that girls consistently showed up for in order to build endurance and get stronger,” Holifield said. “We used all of our MSHSAA contact days so it's safe to say that these girls have given it their all this summer.”
Sikeston will open their season Tuesday when they host always tough Bernie. The Bulldogs will also take part in the difficult Dig For Life Tournament on Sept. 10-11 which Holifield said would give her a good gauge on the Bulldogs and other teams they will take on this season.
“We've got a lot of young talent mixed with our returning players,” Holifield said. “I am extremely impressed with our serve receive, defense and how quick they're catching on to running quicks. It's going to be a fun and exciting season!”
