It’s been a long time since the anticipation surrounding the Harlan County volleyball program matched the feeling heading into the 2023 season. Harlan County is coming off its first 52nd District title since 2014 and brings back the core of the squad that swept past Middlesboro in three sets and then edged defending champ Bell County in a five-set thriller.
“We worked really hard last year and were able to finish strong after having what we thought was a rather successful season,” said Harlan County coach Christina York Jones. “We played a tough schedule, and we were able to compete in a lot of games that people didn’t give us much chance to win. This year I look for us to do big things. “
The Lady Bears lost four players to graduation but return several who played big roles in last year’s run, including seniors Destiny Cornett and Lesleigh Brown.
“We have a lot of experience returning as well as two senior leaders. I think we are going to be a hard team to handle as long as we keep up the momentum that we finished last season with,” Jones said. “I tell my girls we are a team, and we can only do this together. We have the players to succeed. It just comes down to getting the little things right and having a short-term memory.”
Cornett ranked second on the team last season with 148 assists while adding 51 digs and 44 kills.
“Destiny will help control the offense as our primary setter. With her height and blocking ability, she can affect the other teams’ ability to attack,” Jones said.
Brown is best known for her serving abilities with 37 aces.
“Lesleigh has a killer serve and is a great passer. She can come in and help get some quick service points as well as help our defense,” Jones said.
Kalista Dunn was one of the 13th Region’s top freshmen last year, ranking first on the team with 64 aces, second in kills with 101 and third in digs with 175.
“Dunn is a special player,” Jones said. “Her ability to attack the ball makes us hard for other teams to handle. They have to be aware of where she is on the floor at all times.”
Savannah Hill is another sophomore standout who played a big role in the Lady Bears’ late surge as she finished with 84 assists, 48 digs and 35 aces.
“Savannah is a big part of our offense as the secondary setter and is the backbone of our defense,” Jones said. “Her size and athletic ability make her ideal to dig the tougher balls on the back row.”
Kylee Hoiska gives HC another sophomore being counted on to play a big role as she contributed 185 digs a year ago to rank second on the team, while adding 46 kills and 39 aces.
“After playing summer ball, Hoiska has added a killer defensive presence at the net to her already exceptional offensive game,” Jones said. “Teams are going to struggle to attack with her at the net.”
Ashton Evans, a junior, provided a steady presence on the squad last season with a team-high 202 digs, along with 92 kills and 50 aces.
“Ashton is one of the most athletic girls we have. No matter offense or defense, she helps us dominate. Her attacking ability has improved a lot this offseason,” Jones said. “I look for her to punish teams that fail to defend her.”
Rileigh Duff, a sophomore, is expected to play a key reserve role.
“Duff is dual threat who is strong on defense and has developed into a strong hitter,” Jones said. “She has worked hard to move up from junior varsity to a varsity role.”
Karli Shoupe, also a sophomore, is expected to move into a role on the varsity after a strong junior varsity campaign last year.
“She’s moved up because of her improved passing ability,” Jones said.
The remainder of the squad includes sophomore Sophie Day, Maddie Middleton, Suzy Mumford, Whitney Noe and Elaina Salyers.