Heritage Christian Academy has won 16 straight region volleyball titles and will look to win No. 17 with a new coach.
Grace Waldron takes over the reins of the HCA program from Eldridge Rogers and Brad Boyd who both retired at the end of last year. Waldron is no stranger to the HCA family. She is a 2014 graduate of Heritage Christian Academy and was named KCAA Miss Volleyball in 2013 in helping the Lady Warriors to a state runner-up finish. In her playing career, Waldron was a KCAA All-State selection three times and was named to the All-State Tournament Team three times.
The Lady Warriors were 21-15 last season and won the school’s 16th consecutive region title. HCA has several key people back for the first-year coach as they look to continue their streak.
One big change for the Lady Warriors will be a switch to a 6-2 attack.
“They’ve always run a 5-1 set, but we have two young setters that are strong hitters,” Waldron said. “I think the 6-2 will work best for us, and they are running it well.”
Waldron said eighth-grader Mya Goodwin and sophomore Bailey Craft will be the setters in the new offense.
Junior Bella Peach, who was named to the All-Region Team last year, returns at libero for the Lady Warriors.
Senior Elizabeth Pitts, who was the region tourney MVP last year, and junior Lexie Crisp, who battled injury last year, give the Lady Warriors a pair of strong outside hitters.
Sophomore Elle Heltsley, who was named to the JV State Tournament All-Tourney Team, will take over the middle hitter spot vacated with the graduation of long-time starter Allie Schluckebier.
Waldron said junior Tori Sutton and newcomer Sarah Sergeant will rotate on the floor in several spots.
“I have full confidence in our bench. I have a lot of girls to choose from, and we have a lot of young talent,” Waldron said.
COVID-19 guidelines have put everyone behind in preparation for the 2020 season, but Waldron thinks her team is ready for Tuesday’s season opener at Pleasant View, Tenn.
“We always want to play as much as we can, and I feel like they are prepared,” she said. “We will be looking for communication and chemistry and see who performs best in game situations.
VIDEO: Grace Waldron talks about taking over a program during the COVID-19 pandemic
VIDEO: Bailey Craft ready to step into a new role in 2020
VIDEO: Lexie Crisp ready to take the floor in 2020
VIDEO: Bella Peach ready for a leadership role for HCA
