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Holcomb native Matt Casper ready to lead hometown volleyball program
Holcomb native Matt Casper (right) looks on from the sideline with his volleyball squad at a scrimmage Monday at Gideon High School.
Holcomb native Matt Casper had an immediate interest in becoming the new varsity volleyball coach at his high school when he learned the position would be available for the 2019-20 school year.
Holcomb’s Libbey Callis passes a ball at a volleyball scrimmage at Gideon High School Monday night.
“I expressed interest last year of potentially taking over the program, knowing Mrs. Jones was going to retire,” Casper said. “I was able to help out in some practices last year and enjoyed it.”
Holcomb’s Hannah Burk blocks a ball at a volleyball scrimmage at Gideon Monday.
Casper is receiving his first opportunity to coach his hometown volleyball squad this month after longtime Holcomb volleyball coach Angie Jones retired in May. The Hornets are competing in a summer league under the direction of Casper every Monday in June at Portageville and Gideon.
Holcomb’s Addy McClendon serves at a volleyball scrimmage at Gideon Monday.
“I’ve always loved the game of volleyball,” Casper said. “But I’ve got a lot to learn about it. It’s humbling for me and a great challenge as well. But, fortunately, I’ve got a great group of girls to start out with and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Holcomb’s Jessica Burress serves at a volleyball scrimmage at Gideon Monday.
Casper inherits a varsity squad that graduated just one starter off of last year’s team that finished 10-16-4 and claimed its first district title since 2008.
"They finished up really strong last season,” Casper said. “We are hoping we can build off last season.”
The Hornets have got their feet wet for the upcoming season by playing familiar opponents in recent weeks.
Holcomb has competed against conference rivals Gideon, Clarkton, Delta C-7, and Risco during the first two weeks of its summer league. The Hornets have also played nearby non-conference talents Campbell and Richland this summer.
“The competition is always good in our area, especially in the Tri-County,” Casper said. “But we have high expectations for our squad this year. You can tell we are out of rhythm right now. Our girls haven’t played much volleyball since late October. But I think once we get back in rhythm things will come around.”
Casper said one of his initial points of emphasis for his squad this is summer is to play more aggressive.
“I think athleticism and intelligence are going to be our strengths,” he said. "Right now I just want them to have fun and take chances. I want them to see what they can do. I think sometimes teams are too complacent and just try to make sure they hit the ball over the net. I want our players to take chances and see how things work out so when we get into the season we have a better idea what chances we can take in games.”
Casper will have the luxury of having a returning assistant coach on his bench this fall during his first stint as a head volleyball coach.
“Amy McClendon was the assistant coach last year and will be helping us out again this year,” Casper said. “She will be a great asset and we are looking forward to having her.”
While it is the first time Casper has coached volleyball he is no stranger to coaching other high school sports at Holcomb. Casper coached the high school baseball program from 2011-2018 in a stint highlighted by the Hornets placing third in Missouri in 2013. The Holcomb high school softball program also finished 20-1 and won the Tri-County Conference earlier this spring in Casper’s first year as head softball coach.
Casper is hopeful the pieces are in place for the high school volleyball squad to enjoy similar success in the future.
“I’m learning a lot and looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “Hopefully, I can benefit these girls in the coming years."