Twinsburg volleyball to rely on Williams this fall
As a reigning team MVP and possessing the most experience on the team, Hailey Williams will be a huge part of Twinsburg volleyball this fall.
A good stock of returning talent joins Williams this season as still-youthful Twinsburg navigates through some position changes under the direction of fifth-year head coach Jessica Rader.
After going 10-14 last year and making some large strides, Rader (34-53) is excited about her cast of returning talent as well as an influx of young talent.
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A veteran senior, Williams is back for the Tigers along with senior classmate Kendall Matlock, plus a strong junior returnee cast of Genevieve Talentino, Brooke Smith, Julia Rodic, and Claire Grosel.
An outside hitter, Williams was an honorable mention All-District selection in Division I last year. She also was a first-team All-Suburban League choice in the strong National Conference.
“Hailey is a three-year starter for us,” said Rader. “She is a very talented player and someone we rely on a lot both offensively and defensively.”
“Kendall is returning as our starting setter after a junior season where she showed tremendous growth,” explained Rader.
Matlock was a second-team all-conference selection in 2021.
Also having a great ability, Talentino made honorable mention all-league last season. She is now an outside hitter for the Tigers.
“Genevieve is moving to the outside after playing middle for us last season,” said Rader. “Her defense has improved tremendously.”
Twinsburg will be looking for some offensive firepower and some sound health from Smith, who will be a middle hitter.
“Brooke started for us at middle her sophomore season after missing her freshman year with a knee injury,” said Rader. “She has a lot of offensive ability and defensively, she has been working hard on her blocking.”
Rodic and Grosel are two more versatile performers with experience who will play big roles again this year.
“Julia is making the switch from outside to the right side for us this season,” noted Rader. “She will be a huge asset in both her ability to put up a block against opposing outside hitters and her skill as a RS hitter.”
“Claire is stepping into the libero role this season after playing DS (defensive specialist) last year,” explained Rader. “She has an extremely high volleyball IQ and we are excited to have her on the floor in every rotation leading our back row.”
When Twinsburg opens the season Thursday at non-league rival Aurora, there will be some newcomers to varsity that should have an impact as well.
Top newcomers, according to Rader, are freshman Taylor Pucky (middle hitter), freshman Kelsey Williams (DS/S), and junior Emmersyn Muth (DS).
“Our core group of returners has done a great job of incorporating our underclassmen and that has allowed us to really build on a lot of the foundation we established last year and focus mainly on offensive and defensive execution,” stressed Rader.
Rader’s staff includes James Dinette (junior varsity team) and Ashley Placard (freshmen).
“Moving some hitters around from last year and adding Taylor Pucky into the equation has allowed us to run a much faster paced offense,” pointed out Rader. “Kendall (Matlock) is doing a great job of decision making and leading our offense. We are excited for Kelsey (Williams) to have a season to work with Kendall as well. Our blocking has really improved along with our serve receive, so we are hopeful that will pay off in conference play.”
Twinsburg hopes to improve on last year’s sixth-place finish in the loaded SL National, which features Brecksville, Nordonia, and Wadsworth.
“Our conference will be very competitive, as always, but we have a very confident and experienced group this year that really believes they should compete with everyone,” said Rader.”
After a non-league visit to Tallmadge Aug. 27 at 2:30 p.m., Twinsburg opens league play at Hudson Aug. 30, followed by another league road trip to Nordonia Sept. 1. Weekday games begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Tigers will compete in a pair of tournaments on this year’s slate – Sept. 10 at Chagrin Falls and at the Mayfield Tournament Oct. 1.
“There are plenty of areas for improvement, as with any team, and we will continue to strive to get better as the season goes on,” said the coach.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Twinsburg looks to Hailey Williams to lead young squad
