With nothing short of the best season in school history as the primary goal, the Harlan County Lady Bears understand there is more than a little pressure on them heading into the 2025 campaign.
Harlan County brings back five starters from last year’s 26-7 squad that broke a school record for wins. The Lady Bears also won the 52nd District Tournament title and matched the deepest postseason run in school history by advancing to the 13th Region Tournament final four.
The Lady Bears had a busy offseason as they try to exceed last year’s accomplishments and make a run at the first regional title in program history.
“It’s always hard to follow a season when you had a lot of success. Breaking the school record for wins is a hard act to follow. Making it to the final four of region for a second year in a row was big step forward for our program,” Harlan County assistant coach Greg York said when asked about the Lady Bears’ goals. “We have put in a lot of work this summer. We attended the Morehead State Volleyball Camp, played in the Summer Slam Tournament at Whitley County and participated in the Bluegrass State Games. The dream would be representing the 13th Region in the state tournament. ”
The primary reason behind the lofty expectations for the Lady Bears this season is the five-girl senior class that has helped rebuild the program since posting single-digit win totals from 2018 through 2021. The Lady Bears finished 11-12 in 2022, then 19-10 before last year’s 26-win campaign.
Three of those seniors have been starters since they arrived at HCHS as Kalista Dunn enters her fifth season as a starter while Kylee Hoiska and Savannah Hill are four-year starters.
Dunn ranked first last season in kills with 325, service aces with 124 and digs with 442 while adding 24 assists. She is also a standout tennis player, becoming the first girl in program history to qualify for state competition last spring.
“Kalista is a vital team player who excels on both offense and defense, consistently reading the floor and placing the ball where needed,” York said.
Hoiska was a dominant player around the net in the Lady Bears’ postseason run last year. She led the team in blocks with 37 while adding 252 kills, 84 service aces and 25 assists. Hoiska was recently rated a the 24th best middle blocker in the state and 124th best player overall by Prepdig, an online magazine that covers high school volleyball.
“Kylee dominates at the net with impressive attacking and blocking and exceptional defensive skills,” York said.
Hill directs the HCHS offense as one of the 13th Region’s top setters, accounting for a team-high 760 assists last season, along with 69 service aces, 192 digs and 41 kills.
“Savannah has exceptional setting abilities and it allows her to assist our offense with key plays,” York said. “Last season she earned her 1,000th assist award. “
Sophie Day, also a senior, emerged as a key player last season as she contributed 29 kills and 19 digs and will play an even bigger role this year with Ashton Evans graduating.
“Sophie is stepping up in a big way, taking on the role of outside hitter and filling the shoes of Ashton Evans,” York said.
Madilyn Nolan, a junior, will be counted on to play a bigger role at the net with her height to complement Hoiska. Nolan recorded 47 kills and was second to Hoiska in blocks with 19 while adding 32 service aces.
“Madi brings a strong presence to the net, and her skills in hitting and blocking are continually improving, making her a valuable asset to her team,” York said.
Ashlynn Williamson moved into the starting lineup at libero last season as only a freshman and contributed 37 assists and 39 service aces.
“Her defensive quickness on the floor and ability to cover and assist on offense is what sets Ashlynn apart,” York said.
Karli Shoupe, also a senior, will be counted on to play a bigger role this season, especially on defense.
“Karli has truly elevated her defensive game this season,” York said. “Her expertise and maturity are major contributing factors to her improvement.”
Abbie Blackburn and Aly Sherman move up to the varsity squad this year and will be counted on to provide depth.
“Abbie and Aly are new to the varsity roster this season. They are stepping up and working towards both offensive and defensive future positions,” York said.
While the Lady Bears have several individual standouts, York knows the Lady Bears must continue to improve their teamwork to reach their lofty goals this season.
“All of these girls are great individually, but together they make an amazing team,” he said. “They have to continue working together if we are going to get where we want to be at the end of the season.”