Will good health mean good fortune for FHS volleyball?
Of the many challenges coaches face, injuries are among the biggest. In an instant, a team’s best player (or others) can be gone for the rest of the season.
The injury bug bit Farragut High School’s volleyball team hard last year. Second-year coach Andre Alves is “cautiously optimistic” that if his squad can stay healthy this year, it could be a very special season.
“Last season I had some really good players go down with injury,” said the Brazilian-born Alves, who also coaches at K2 Volleyball Club. “I love the leadership aspect that I have this year. This is the year. If we’re gonna do it, this is the year.”
Alves’s team leadership begins with junior setter Bella Ekeler (5-8). “She’s phenomenal,” Alves said of the Georgia Southern commit. “She’s gonna be like my quarterback. I’m holding her responsible for running the offense, making sure the vibe on the court is good.”
Alves is expecting big things from senior outside hitter Elsa Morrison (5-11), a returning starter and Lady Vol commit to play softball. “She’s a heckuvan athlete,” he said. “She’s definitely one of my best players and she’s a leader.”
Defense, of course, is critical in volleyball. Digs and saves are vital to keeping a point alive. The funny-sounding position of libero is a defensive specialist, who not only tries to keep the ball in play, but set it up to a net player for a kill.
Alves’s starting libero will be freshman Hailey Aikens (5-2). “She plays beyond her age,” Alves said. “Very high volleyball IQ, very good insight for the game.”
Another returning starter, senior Lauren Neely (5-8), is a utility player. Alves can put her anywhere on the court and she can contribute. “She can play any position,” Alves said. “She brings leadership and confidence; she can play anywhere.”
Senior right-side hitter Maggie Hughes (6-3), another returning starter, will be a major force for Alves’s offensive attack.
“(She has a) wicked left hand,” Alves said, “and she’s a great blocker.”
Alves has an exciting newcomer on his squad, senior outside hitter Trinity Rye (5-foot- 11) who moved to Knoxville from San Diego. “Phenomenal,” Alves said. “She hits the ball so hard; she’s a great passer and very confident.”
Alves’s backup crew should be strong. Two senior middle hitters — Ashlee Llewellyn (6-foot), and Paisy White (6-foot-3) — will likely see significant playing time. White, who arrived last year from Arizona, missed most of last year because of injury.
“Both are tall,” Alves said. “Both are leaders on the middle hitting and middle blocking; they’re gonna be running the net and are good handling the ball.”
Junior libero Teagan Williams and freshman outside hitter Olivia Crowe also will contribute.
Alves especially likes his squad’s work ethic in addition to its leadership. “The most hardworking team I’ve had,” he said. “I feel like we got things under control; even when things go sideways, they’re able to pull together. We could be really good, could go all the way.”
Last year’s season opened with great hope, but the Lady Admirals couldn’t overcome the injuries, especially being in the super-tough District 4-3A. The season ended with a loss to Heritage in the district tournament.
Morrison thinks the team’s strong unity sets them up to be a postseason threat.
“We’ve really come together as a team this year,” said the two-sport star. “We trust each other; we have fun with each other on and off the court. “We’ve worked all during the summer; I think (a) State (title) is realistic.”
