Tara Fish has a lot on her plate these days.
The head coach of the Jefferson volleyball team was promoted this spring to activities director. Most new ADs give up coaching, but Fish chose to continue wearing both hats, as does Russ Schmidt at De Soto (AD and head football coach).
“I was in the classroom for 21 years,” said Fish, who is starting her seventh year piloting the volleyball team. “It’s weird not being in the classroom, but it’s good because I get to see my girls during the day. I’m so glad I kept that role (head coach) so I can get out of the office during the day. It’s helped with the stresses of the job.”
Now come the stresses of getting back to the top. The Blue Jays won the Class 2 state championship in 2022, the school’s first state title in any sport. They followed that up with a modestly successful 2023 campaign, going 18-9-1 and 4-1 in the small schools division of the Jefferson County Activities Association. That season ended in a four-set loss to Arcadia Valley in the Class 2 District 3 final. The Tigers wound up fourth in the state with a .500 record (17-17-4).
The players from the 2022 state title squad all have graduated, but there’s enough talent to replace them and get the team thinking big again for 2024.
“We are planning to have a great season,” Fish said. “As this group remains coachable and continues to grow in skills and communication, we are confident (of being) successful throughout our postseason play. We’ve had many discussions about how we don’t want to be our ‘best’ right now. We want that at the end of October.”
Seniors Megan Wood and Maddy Barbagallo were voted by their teammates as co-captains. Wood, an outside hitter, made the 2023 all-JCAA first team and was selected first team all-state by the Missouri High School Volleyball Coaches Association. She led Jefferson with 343 kills and was second with 56 blocks.
“(Wood) challenges her teammates to show their grit, giving them everything she has,” Fish said. “When she attacks the ball, the whole gym knows because of the sound of her solid contact and fast whip. Her defense is not only skilled but has a finesse to it, putting the ball right where our setters need it for our offense.
“The way she hits the ball catches you off guard. (Junior) Baylor Pemberton said, ‘What if she actually hurt or killed someone?’ And we were laughing about it. We joke now, ‘Call the police!’ when she hits a really good one.”
Barbagallo earned all-conference honors at libero and had 222 digs.
“Her leadership this season has been impressive and it shows on the court as well. Her confidence in the back row, along with her communication, will be key. She also has a great serve, earning the most points for us there all last season.
“She is the kid who makes sure the younger kids are comfortable. When we did the (captain) vote, several girls had votes.”
Senior Margaret Wrigley (middle hitter) and juniors Ella Hueter (setter), Ryleigh Johnson (outside hitter) and Halayna Loyd (setter, right side hitter) return for the varsity. Senior Saej Bader (middle-right hitter) is back after missing last season with a knee injury that required surgery.
Wrigley led the Blue Jays last year with 67 blocks. She’s made an even bigger splash in track and field, placing third in the 200-meter dash, fifth in the 100 and second in the long jump at the Class 2 state championships in May.
“She jumps out of the gym,” Fish said. “She was one of the top 25 blockers in the St. Louis area. Her outstanding hangtime allows for some fun attacks in the middle. Her speed has earned her time in the back row as well.”
Loyd and Hueter combined for 734 assists and Loyd demonstrated her serve ability with a team-high 45 aces.
“(Loyd) has excellent court sense and is great at changing up the game when we need to score, whether it is running our offense or hitting the ball herself,” Fish said.
“Some of the digs (Hueter) gets in her setter defense shock us all at times. She is quick and somehow gets the ball up so that we can do something with it. She also has a great serve.”
New to the varsity or playing expanded roles are Louise Duepner and Peyton Guffey, both defensive specialists, and right side hitters KiAna Lemons and Baylor Pemberton. All four are juniors.
Jefferson’s assistant coaches include two former standout Blue Jay athletes – JV coach Hannah Becherer, who teaches pre-K, and kindergarten teacher Mackenzie Null. Hilah Roth and Gracie Floyd, Fish’s daughters and recent volleyball stars for Jefferson, are volunteer assistants.
The Blue Jays opened the season at Seckman on Tuesday, after the Leader deadline, and host Ste. Genevieve tonight (Sept. 5).
With defending JCAA small-schools champion St. Pius X out of the conference, Fish looked south at another private school that could challenge for the title.
“St. Vincent is going to be tough,” Fish said. “They have a lot of upperclassmen. I’m curious to see what they’re going to be bringing.”
Here is a breakdown of the rest of the volleyball teams in the JCAA.
The conference records are based on non-tournament matches on MSHSAA website.
Crystal City Hornets
JCAA small-schools
Class 1 District 4
2023: 9-10-1, 0-4 conference
Head coach: Erin Bova (third year)
Key returners: sophomores Hannah Schilly, Kadence Buechting; junior Makayla Denney; seniors Kayleigh Fechter, Carly Roussin.
Hornet buzz: Crystal City plans to run a faster offense, and Bova said that starts with the setters, Schilly (all-JCAA honorable mention) and freshman Addison Bova, the coach’s daughter. Both are experienced players despite their age and bring a lot of talent and knowledge to the team. The middle hitters are Denney and Buechting. Bova said they have both grown as players, and will be big contributors as both hitters and blockers. The outside and right-side hitters are Fechter, Roussin, senior Claire Marlow and junior Maya Hankins, who provide a versatile mix of hitting options. Junior Payton Dugal and seniors Sydney Partney and Olivia Sutton have been working hard to improve their serve-receive and defensive skills.
Bova pointed out her players’ strengths and importance for team success.
Schilly: “Hannah was a big contributor last season as a setter. She works very hard and does a great job running the court.”
Fechter: “Kayleigh is one of our strongest passers and does a great job on the front row. She’s very consistent and makes a big impact on the team.”
Denney, Roussin, Buechting: “They are all strong hitters who have been working on expanding their hitting options. They also have improved their blocking skills, which will be crucial this season.”
Bova: “Addison will play a vital role this season. She plays great defense and works hard to make smart choices as a setter.”
The coach said winning starts with creating a positive team culture.
“This was established at the beginning of our preseason and the girls have done a tremendous job setting the tone and meeting expectations. They value the importance of teamwork and do an outstanding job supporting and motivating each other.”
De Soto Dragons
JCAA large-schools
Class 4 District 1
2023: 9-11, 2-6 conference
Head coach: Ashley Daegling (second year)
Key returners: junior Ashley Theiss; seniors Fidelia Halilovic, Payton O’Shea.
Dragon fire: Daegling said she wants to run a quick offense with some out-of-system plays for setting up the hitters. To do that, De Soto has to beat blocks and catch the opponent out of position. Defensively, the Dragons are a solid group with three players competing for the libero position.
“I am excited to see how this will change our overall competitive play this year with more rallies, better sets and better hits,” Daegling said. “I will be subbing more this year, with running a 6-2 (formation), and hoping to have a larger block and bigger hitters up this season.
“Every single player I have on the team this year is going to play a pivotal role in being successful. Some will be all-around starters, some will sub in and out, some will be fighting for a spot and pushing the starters to be better every day. I will lean on my upperclassmen and returning varsity players to show stability and leadership skills when we get to harder opponents.”
Festus Tigers
JCAA large-schools
Class 4 District 2
2023: 21-8-2, 7-1 (conference co-champion)
Head coach: Isabella Kemp (first year)
Key returners: sophomore Rylee Lawrence; juniors Jessie Hawkins, Maggie Geiler; seniors Jersey Latham, Vivian Glaze, Delaney Schmitt, Elizabeth Skaggs.
Tiger tales: The Festus style of offense will be different from previous seasons. Rather than relying on a go-to offensive weapon, the Tigers will move the ball around and switch it up as they learn which combinations are the most productive. On defense, Kemp is looking for grit and consistency. Leading the defense is all-JCAA second-teamer Hawkins at libero and Schmitt at defensive specialist. Hawkins has the most varsity experience and will be a key piece on offense and defense. Setters Glaze and Skaggs bring a lot of maturity to the floor. “I fully trust their leadership and decision-making,” Kemp said. Skaggs will play six rotations at setter and right-side hitter. Outside hitter Latham (league honorable mention) also will play in all rotations and is a great offensive option in the front and back row.
“I’m going in with little to no expectations,” Kemp said. “We have a new group, a new coaching staff and a new vision for the program overall. I’m excited to see how that manifests throughout the season.”
Grandview Eagles
JCAA small-schools
Class 2 District 3
2023: 7-18-2, 1-4 conference
Head coach: Madeline Rotter (10th year)
Key returners: seniors Brooke Lunsford, Kiley Kostro.
Eagle flights: The team will run a 6-2 offense with Lunsford and freshman Lacey Brownas the setters. The main hitters are Lunsford and Kostro. Rotter said the team’s expectations this year are to improve each day, work hard and always give top effort. Without any juniors, the program is young and mostly inexperienced. Rotter expects to have multiple girls playing different positions throughout the season.
“I expect Kiley and Brooke to take the reins of this team and be major contributors,” Rotter said. “(They) will be the co-captains this season and have the role of being the leaders.”
Herculaneum Blackcats
JCAA small-schools
Class 3 District 3
2023: 13-13-4, 3-2 conference
Head coach: Nicole Coleman (fourth year)
Key returners: seniors Jillian Jarvis, Natalie Pennycook, Lillian Jenkins.
Blackcat tracks: With Jarvis as an outside hitter, Sutton in the middle and Pennycook dishing up assists at setter, Herculaneum returns a skilled core to build around. On offense, Coleman said they seek a dynamic approach. The Blackcats use a fast-paced attack, leveraging quick set plays with different players to create scoring opportunities. Defensively, they want to use their athleticism to neutralize attacks and quickly transition to offense.
“These three seniors have the ability to set our team up for a successful run this fall,” Coleman said. “They have worked together their entire high school career and have several seasons of varsity experience between them. Each is knowledgeable and a master at their position. Their teammates rely on their leadership and knowledge on the court. Both Jarvis and Pennycook play all six rotations and are able to make plays.
“The experience and leadership Jarvis brings to the table as a player in all six rotations is unmatched. She is able to make plays happen on offense and is a great teammate. Pennycook consistently thinks on the fly and is able to read the defense well. Jenkins’ knowledge of the game and consistency in the role could further impact our ability to win games against a powerful schedule.”
Hillsboro Hawks
JCAA large-schools
Class 4 District 1
2023: 11-15-1, 2-6 conference
Head coach: Israel Ringling (third year)
Key returners: sophomore Jersey Robinson; juniors Carlie Galczynski, Madison Czapla; seniors Shaye Holland, Mari Bullock, Jill Woods.
Hawk hits: Like many other teams, Hillsboro tries to run a quick offense. In the middle, Bullock and Czapla get vocal, making the other team’s block wonder where the setter is leading. They are also a big threat offensively and can find gaps in defenses. “That really helps our outside hitters, Jersey and Carlie,” Ringling said. Both are six-rotation players.
Holland, a two-time all-conference pick, is the setter and plays all six rotations. “She is an extremely smart and aggressive offensive player and helps to get things rolling,” the coach said. “While she may not be the hardest hitter, she is great at reading the court and finding the holes. She was one of our top scorers last year and we expect her to do well again this year.”
Defensively, Hillsboro has a new libero, junior Kayla Yaeger. “She takes control of the back row and gives every ball 100 percent,” Ringling said.
Robinson is a powerhouse on the outside. “She is looking a lot stronger this year and can put the ball down. We expect her to lead the team with kills. She is also an aggressive server, which also will be very helpful this year.”
The Hawks soared to a 5-0 start, winning their first home tournament Aug. 31. They won all five matches in straight sets over Wright City, Poplar Bluff, Gateway Science Academy, Northwest and Cape Girardeau Central.
“I am expecting this season to be filled with positive energy,” Ringling said. “We have a very energetic group of young ladies with some awesome talent. With all the hard work they are putting in, I am expecting this season to be out of this world.”
Wins keep piling up at Windsor
Since 2020, Windsor has won more volleyball games than any other high school in the county, going 105-17-4 for an .827 winning percentage.
And it’s not even close – St. Pius X is second with 88 victories.
In 2019, the Owls made their first and only appearance in the state tournament at Cape Girardeau, finishing fourth in Class 4. In the four years since, Windsor has bounced from one district to the next, falling out against Rockwood Summit, Nerinx Hall, St. Pius X and Summit again last season.
So when longtime head coach Stephany Dueker-Richmond saw the new class and district assignments from the Missouri State High School Activities Association Aug. 30, her reaction was visceral.
“Oh my gosh,” said the coach, who is entering her 25th season at the helm. “Are you kidding? This is a nightmare.”
The Owls landed in Class 4 District 2 with a murderer’s row of private-school powerhouses: St. Pius close to home, plus Lutheran South, St. Joseph’s Academy and Visitation Academy. Rounding out the district are Affton and Webster Groves, both .500 teams last year; Summit, which has become a district nemesis, and conference rival Festus, with three trips to the final four to its credit.
“Four big-gun private schools,” she said. “(We’ve) never been in district with St. Joseph’s.”
And it’s not just the district that will pose challenges. Windsor opened the season hosting the 10-team Wagener-Moore Tournament, which included 15-time state champion Hermann and two-time state winner Helias of Jefferson City.
Dueker-Richmond said her team’s performance in their preseason jamboree didn’t go the way she wanted and the day before the tournament started, she was honest as ever.
“I’m exhausted, limping and sick to my stomach,” she said. “It means I’m ready to see what we’ve got.”
That includes senior middle hitter Hannah Jarnegan, who’s been practicing but didn’t start hitting the ball until the day before the tournament because of lingering back trouble. Jarnegan was selected to the all-JCAA large-schools team after she led the Owls with 68 blocks and 137 kills last year.
“I have six girls who can play in the middle; I don’t have a stereotypical rotation,” Dueker-Richmond said. “This group is bigger than usual. We are very ‘Windsor tall.’ In 28 years I’ve had two 6-0 girls. We have a lot of potential and we’re athletic.”
Seniors Keira Dixon (right side), Sara Wieberg (outside hitter), Ashley Perkins (libero), Abby Lanfersieck (right side/middle hitter), Mia Nilsen (outside hitter/defensive specialist) and Lindsey Garland (defensive specialist) and juniors Lacey Myers (setter) and Libby Cobb (defensive specialist/libero) all have plenty of varsity experience.
“I have quite a few who can block and hit well out of the middle, as well as the right side,” the coach said. “So many may see a rotation or two in the middle-right side, even within the same game.
“For both defense and offense, we try to be aggressive, but smart. I’m not sure we have main hitters. What could make us very tough this year is that I have many good hitters. Although we may not have that 100 percent go-to girl like we’ve maybe had in the past, we’re more capable of spreading the ball around. We have more skilled hitters and height than I’m normally used to having, so we could have many offensive options.”
Juniors Tessa Whitney, Ella Shedron, and Jordan Rosvall may see some time in the middle or on the right side.
“Most returners are in different roles. We have a lot to learn. We need to be more seasoned. We don’t know each other well enough yet.
“I’m really not nervous to put any of the varsity girls on the court and that hasn’t always been the case (before). I believe that each girl is talented and can hold her ground. Ironically, I’m kind of nervous to have my team on the court. I don’t really know how things will play out at this point. Any girl could contribute to our success on any given night.”