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Despite losing six seniors, Lanett Volleyball is poised to be a strong competitor this season. Head coach, Krissie Story, has been working with her athletes all summer in the hopes of capturing an area championship this year.

Lanett finished second in the region last season, one of the only two losses that didn’t come until the super regional tournament in Montgomery. 

“We’re looking to win our area this year. That’s always the hope, that we will win our area. So with the experience that we have, I can see us having another pretty successful season,” Story said. 

While there is only one senior returning, Makiah White, Story said Lanett has some underclassmen who have the ability to step up on the team. 

“We hit the ground running because we knew we had to try to make up for the inexperienced. So being in the gym every day, three, four days a week, that has helped tremendously,” Story said. “I have seen a lot of growth in these girls because they’re young, but they are super determined. I’ve never seen a determination like this.”

White and junior Chloe Jones will be stalwarts up front as hitters, a position where Lanett is especially strong. However, White may have to step in as a setter, after the departure of Tamia Spratling who held the position for three years. 

The two leaders said they have worked on teaching the younger girls to stay positive while on the court. 

As the sole senior, White has big goals for her team this season, “I just want to win the area championship.” 

When asked what she is most excited about this season Jones echoed White saying, “I’m excited to play in the area championship.”

“Those are two of the strongest players. They have the most experience. The two of them are two players, but I’m really looking forward to watching and I think they are going to bring a lot to the team,” Story said.

The coach made it clear that positions will still have to be earned. 

“That’s my philosophy. I don’t want anybody to get comfortable, because if they think that they have something locked a lot of times, we as people…just tend to not come every day with our best. Everything is still up for grabs,” she said. 

Currently, the Panthers are set to debut against Russell County Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. ET. However, a team has reached out to the coach to potentially schedule something earlier. Regardless, Story has the same aim for Game 1. 

“I want to see improvement from summer practices. Unfortunately, we did not get to do any scrimmages outside the scrimmage against each other this summer,” Story said. “I’m looking to see what areas we need to improve in. I think that first game gives you a glimpse into what you need to improve in.”

The young talent will mean some trial and error as Story figures out the rotations. She has had talks with some of the Junior Varsity girls about stepping up to the senior team. This past summer a rule change in AHSAA meant that JV players can also play in Varsity games on the same night. 

With the departure of Horseshoe Bend, who handed Lanett the super regional loss, the next top competitor will be Reeltown. Story said their county rival Valley will not be on the schedule this year.