CalCo volleyball
- Updated: August 18, 2026
Previewing varsity volleyball teams in Calhoun County. First matches are Thursday. Coaches, please report match scores and stats to joe@wrightmediacorp.com or 256-452-4240 ASAP after matches.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Will update this with information about Anniston’s team as soon as possible, after Anniston hires a coach.
This week’s volleyball schedule
THURSDAY, Aug. 20
Spain Park tri (Oxford)
Pleasant Valley tri (Donoho, Glencoe)
Ohatchee at White Plains
Lawrence County tri (Alexandria)
Jacksonville at Piedmont
Cleburne County at Spring Garden
Cherokee County tri (Geraldine, Scottsboro)
Ranburne at Handley
Randolph County at Wadley
Munford at Lincoln
Ragland at Coosa Christian
Westbrook Christian tri (Etowah, Gadsden City)
FRIDAY, Aug. 21
Juanita Boddie Invitational (Alexandria, Lincoln, Oxford, Southside)
SATURDAY, Aug. 22
Juanita Boddie Invitational at Hoover (Alexandria, Lincoln, Oxford, Southside)
Smith Lake Classic (Donoho)
Tri-county tournamnt at Cleburne County (Saks, Talladega, Weaver)
Ashville Bulldog Bash (Coosa Christian, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff)
Geraldine Invitational (Westbrook Christian)
Alexandria Valley Cubs
COACH: Whitney Welch, 14th season.
2025 OUTCOME: 43-13, Calhoun County runnerup, Final Four.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: S Sophie Martin, OH/DS Charlee Parris, MB Kylie Jeffers.
STARTERS RETURNING: Sr. DS Landry Patterson, Sr. MB Caylin Adams, Sr. OH Zayley Mobbs, Sr. DS Ava Browning, Jr. S Cali Hess, Jr. OH Lennon Lange. Also, watch Sr. DS Brenlee Curvin and Sr. OPP Marley Edge, Fr. MB Lanajia Redwine and Jr. OPP Kate Wheeler.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “Players to watch will be our returning starters from last year (listed above). Most all of those players have been to three Elite Eights in a row (two Final Fours and a finals), so they have a lot of postseason experience that I hope will guide us through this season as we grow and develop. We have some talented young kids that I hope will come along quickly. We have six really great seniors that I hope will lead this team well through the next few months. We’ve been hard at work and are looking forward to opening day.” — Whitney Welch
Donoho Falcons
COACH: Kylie Smith, first year.
2025 OUTCOME: 31-24, Calhoun County semifinals, round of 16 at regionals.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: OH Ava Michaels, OH Kate Williamon, S Callee Taylor.
STARTERS RETURNING: Jr. MB Taylor Worley, Sr. OH Alana Maldonado Maysonet, Sr. L Bentlee Pahman. Also, watch Sr. MB Cyan Duncan, Jr. DS Adalyn Mundy.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “I’m really excited about my first Donoho team and the opportunity to be part of this already solid program. I believe I have a great group of girls who are willing to work hard and compete for each other. Our biggest keys to the season will be staying consistent, communicating with one another, and continuing to improve every day. If we continue to trust each other and play as a team, I have no doubt we can have a successful season!” — Kylie Smith
Faith Christian Lions
COACH: Michaella Edwards, second year.
2025 OUTCOME: 25-16, subregional.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: DS Kayson Cronan.
STARTERS RETURNING: Sr. OH Annie Ricard, Sr. OH/DS Annalie Daniel, Sr. L/DS Amy Hubbard, Sr. DS/OPP Kolee Cronan, Sr. OH/OPP Emma Shaw, So. S Kaylee Norton.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “We are excited about what this season has in store for our program. We have a strong group of returning players who have continued to grow and develop, both on the court and in the weight room, while also welcoming new players (underclassman) who have the potential to make an immediate impact. Our biggest focus this season will be continuing to build team chemistry, compete with confidence and take advantage of every opportunity to improve. I believe this group has a lot of potential, and we are excited to see how far they can take this season.” — Michaella Edwards
Hope Christian Saints
COACH: Malorie Burns, fourth year.
2025 OUTCOME: Junior varsity with one sophomore, one freshman, two seventh-grader and five sixth graders splayed a varsity schedule and made it to the semifinals of AISA state tournament. Now playing in AHSAA.
STARTERS RETURNING: Jr. MH Zion Jenkins, So. OH Addy Amberson, Fr. S Maddie Orgeron, 8th OH Lindley Burns, 8th S RoxyAnna Harrison. Also, watch for Sr. S Roxy Cavendar.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “I’m really excited about this upcoming season. We have a great group of girls who genuinely care about each other, and I think that connection is going to be one of our biggest strengths. We’ve been working hard on the volleyball side of things, but what I love most about this team is their heart. They want to compete. They want to get better, and they want to do it together.. We’re still growing and learning how to play as one unit, but there’s a lot of potential in this group. I think when they’re locked in, encouraging one another and playing with confidence, they can be really fun to watch. My goal is for people to see a team that plays hard, loves each other well, and represents Hope Christian in a way we can all be proud of. Wins are important. We’re competitors, but I also want these girls to walk away from this season knowing they were part of something special.” — Malorie Burns
Jacksonville Golden Eagles
COACH: Amber Russell, fourth year.
2025 OUTCOME: 25-23, reached second round at super regionals.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: MH Mya Swain, OH Nyla Hoult, S Sydney Soriano, OPP Ke’Asiah Williams, L Chloe Henderson.
STARTERS RETURNING: Sr. OH Layna Wise, Jr. S/OH Ana Strain. Also, watch Jr. L Raybon Pridgen and Jr. MH Zion Smith.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “We lost seven seniors, but our group has worked hard all summer, and they are ready to compete. This group’s chemistry and overall love for each other is great.” — Amber Russell
Jacksonville Christian Thunder
COACH: Katy Bryant, seventh year coaching volleyball.
2025 OUTCOME: 13-8, area tournament.
STARTERS LOST/RETURNING: OH Cali Sexton, S Carlie Chesson, DS Taylor Cash.
STARTERS RETURNING: Sr. MH Addy Lee, Sr. MH Mollie Mullinax, Sr. OH Modasti Carr, So. S Sophie Williams.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “The returning starters have really put in work this summer. You won’t find better leaders or better representatives of a school as I have in my senior core. In the play date, I was pleasantly surprised and how well we communicated and adapted after losing half our team. Olivia Wall is a senior, eighth-grader Drina Williams and sophomore Bryleigh Reid are really doing a great job filling the roles we needed. Hallie Guthrie will be rolling into the DS role. I’m just really excited about the effort we play with and the fun we have each day just getting to enjoy playing ball! I think this group understands these years don’t last forever, and they are doing what they can to have a season of no regrets!” — Katy Bryant
Ohatchee Indians
COACH: Rebecca Hughes, nine years.
2025 OUTCOME: 35-10, regional qualifier, Elite Eight.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: OH Alanah Fitch, OH Ayla Crook, MB Emily Riddle, RS Bailey Fowler, DS Haydyn Lathers.
STARTERS RETURNING:Sr. S Kate Ryan, Sr. L Mollee Barnes, Jr.. MB Ellie Vice.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “After losing a big senior class, we have many new faces this season, with only three returning players that have played at the varsity level. We have taken this as a challenge just to see how much we can grow from beginning of the season to the end! Ohatchee volleyball has a high standard to go deep into postseason play, and we are expecting to uphold that standard. We have a lot of growing to do, and we need more game experience, but I’m very excited for this season.” — Rebecca Hughes
Oxford Yellow Jackets
COACH: Wendy McKibbin, 24th year at Oxford, 31 total years.
2025 OUTCOME: 29-18, Calhoun County champion, area champion, Elite 8.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: S Payton Brooks, OH Tia Nichols.
RETURNING STARTERS: Sr. DS Charleigh Trotter, Sr. L Adriana Bobo, Sr. MH Emerald Cole, Sr. MH/RS Taleah Powell, Sr. OH Ava Thomas.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “We have had a great summer, and the kids are working very hard. I think we will have a very competitive team this season. We have a lot of depth this year.” — Wendy McKibbin
Piedmont Bulldogs
COACH: Magan Glover, eighth year.
2025 OUTCOME: 6-21.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: S Adilyn Bailey.
STARTERS RETURNING: Sr.. OH Amiyah Thomas, Sr. OH Emma Proctor, So. MH .Na’Kiya Bothwell, Fr. MH Ellie Tolbert. Also, watch for Sr. S Skylea Kirk, Sr. RS Eliza Mathis, Jr. RS Anna Hase, So. L Sophie Clausen.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “We are looking forward (to) getting the season started and playing next week. We have four returning seniors that have good leadership and provide experience with commitment. We have two returning underclassmen as middle hitters/blockers that will play important roles. The team has been working hard and putting in the time and effort at practice. We are ready to continue building, competing, and make the most of the opportunities ahead!” — Magan Glover
Pleasant Valley Raiders
COACH: Jennifer Mann, third year as head coach. eight years as varsity assistant and junior high head coach.
2025 OUTCOME: 35-14, Class 2A state champions three years in a row.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: MB/DS Ella Parris, OH/DS Madison Schwabe, DS Cailey Almaroad.
STARTERS RETURNING: St, MB/DS Ellie Patterson, Sr. S Elise Wheeler, Fr. L Zalie Curvin, Fr. OH/DS Hanna Henry, 8th MB Avalyn Patterson. Also, watch Fr. Bentlee Turner, Fr. and Sr. Bella Uesry., who is returning from an injury.
COACH”S THOUGHTS: “We clocked in 115 hours over the summer training, team building and just getting our team together. We had a fantastic summer training and made a lot of improvements from the past year. We are, overall, a young team, but our young players have varsity experience on the big stage, and they are bringing it this year. Very excited to see our season kick off and progress over the next couple months. You always tweak and see things as play moves along and players step up and develop. We have a great group of girls who all get along and love each other, so that definitely helps the culture and cohesiveness on the court! I have prayed over this season and these girls, so I know we are going to have another phenomenal season!” — Jennifer Mann
Saks Wildcats
COACH: Michelle Martin, second year.
2025 OUTCOME: 4-14, third in area after beating Randolph County and Wellborn.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: Adrianna Stevens, D’Carole Kidd, Lay Christopher, Tatiania Arreguin.
STARTERS RETURNING: Jr. S/OH Daylin Jones, Jr. RS/S Jada Watson. Also, watch for Alayna Cupo, Alannah Woolf, Daylin Jones, Jada Watson and Ryleigh Kelly.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “I am truly excited about this season, because, even though we lost those four starters, we have a great lineup coming in. This group is special to me because a majority of them I have had since they were seventh graders … four of the starting six, to be exact. The culture at Saks is changing, and I am expecting this year for our athletic programs to make a lot of noise, not just with volleyball but with other sports, as well. To be honest, for our program to be successful, it starts with the Coach, and for my coaching staff, I have a great group of ladies: Kabrina Lester (assistant varsity, head JV), Aleta Graham (head junior high) and Kamorah Noel (assistant junior high). The kids have really stepped up this year, especially when it comes to accountability, drive, and determination. Many are stepping into leadership roles. It’s almost like it’s contagious, because I have never seen this before, and for volleyball, especially. We had a really great turnout this summer for summer workouts; with that being said, I know it’s going to be a great year for Saks overall.” — Michelle Martin
Weaver Bearcats
COACH: Amanda Noah, first year coaching varsity.
2025 OUTCOME: 20-17, area runnerup, first round at regional.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: MH Kimora Miles, S Bailey Hodges.
STARTERS RETURNING: Sr. L/LS Ellie Masaniai, Sr. S/RS Ali Anderson, Sr. MH Jaylee Carter, Jr. LS/L Hollyn Dunn, So. LS Savannah Campbell. Also, watch So. MH Maddie Stanford.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “We have a lot of returners plus some newcomers who show great potential. We have a tougher schedule this year than in the past, but the girls have proved to show their competitiveness and willingness to compete at a higher level. I’m really excited to see how far we can make it this year!” — Amanda Noah
Wellborn Panthers
COACH: Tona Davis, second year.
2025 OUTCOME:3-21, area tournament.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: MB Braelyn Bean, MB Cassidy Gray, S Emmalyn McManus, OH Ryleigh Smith OH.
STARTERS RETURNING: Jr. DS Laykin Hicks, Sr. OH NaShya Simmons, Jr. RS Emma Vaughn, Sr.. S Kaitly Layton. Also, watch for Fr. MB Brylee Luker and 8th MB Kaitlyn Johnson.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: “I’m super excited for this season with the new regions and with the addition of our JV team,” — Tona Davis
White Plains Wildcats
COACH: James Clendenin, fourth year.
2025 OUTCOME: 21-32.
STARTERS LOST/GRADUATED: M Sara Kate Adams, OH/RS Carli Fritts, L Anna O’Dell, S Savannah Phillips, DS Ella Ponder.
STARTERS RETURNING: Sr. OH Aubrey Adcock, So. M Brooklyn Ward, Fr. OH Callie Fritts.
COACH’S THOUGHTS: This is going to be the youngest varsity team I’ve coached since my second year at Donoho! I think we are possibly a bit younger up front. The feeling I have regarding this team, with their max effort and willingness to do the not-so-fun things to the max, makes me super excited to see how far we’ve come. They are (more) bought in than any WP team I’ve ever coached as well as more focused. Right now we are looking at Aubrey Adcock leading as our lone senior OH, playing all six rotations and doing well at all aspects of the game. A junior libero in Ansley Prichard, who is doing a phenomenal job being a leader! We are running a two-lib system where we have an 8th grader in Mackenzie Sparks. The two of them have found a way to split reps and shine at what they do best. We have Brooklyn Ward, So. middle, who can jump out of the gym blocking and hitting at a high level. Callie Fritts as the other OH, who is hitting and passing really well playing all six rotations. Then we have a freshman RS, Kinley Hill, and freshman M, Elly Law, who are coming around and show some really bright moments. Sophie Phillips, So, setter, is starting to become very accurate setting and gives great effort. Our subs also bring a lot. Karli Otwell, Jr. DS, is passing extremely well. We also have three others in a backup setter, Aubree Cobb, backup hitter, Madilyn Holley, and backup DS Piper Thompson. They all have potential to break out!” — James Clendenin
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