Wayland High School varsity volleyball coach Kara Laker says she is cautiously optimistic about her team’s chances to climb back to the top of the O-K Gold Conference standings.

“We are looking forward to a great year with many returners, though we did lose a few big pieces of our team to graduation,” the coach said. Wayland finished its 2023 season with an overall record of 19-19.

Perhaps leading the returning letter winners is senior outside hitter Harmony Laker, an all conference award winner multiple times who also was all-region and an all-area player.

The coach said Maddie Tornes was “a huge weapon for us who was a big part of what we did last year until she endured an early injury cutting her season short. She is going to make a big impact on her return.”

Rounding out an experienced front line is Reese Cassini “with her competitiveness and hard work, and Emersyn Stroud who will help by shoring up our back line with a great tenacity.”

Juniors Zoie Ritchie will be back as a Libero/DS “with her quickness and high volleyball IQ” and Charlotte Markoski with a big block in the front and weapon from the middle.”

New to the squad this fall are Hayden Keena,(RH),  Kaylee Lown (Libero/DS), Madi Ludema (OH/MH), Evie Mathis (OH) Teagan Robinson (DS), Dacey Schaefer (S), Rae Stallard (MH), and sophomore Macy Schwartz (S).

“These ladies will bring a competitiveness and toughness we are really excited about and we hope to continue to make great strides as a program.” The coach added.

“We hope to compete at a high level and challenge for the newly aligned conference championship as well as a district championship. There are some great teams, but we really have some pieces to push for a title. 

“Areas of strength include a dominant group of hitters and great leadership, though it will be an adjustment transitioning to a new setter, but we have some great girls challenging for the spot and the program in a great place with players at every level that will be ready to step in.”

The coach concluded, “In all, it will be a fun year, and we are really looking forward to the opportunity. We are hoping to return to the top of the conference.”

COVER PHOTO: Harmony Laker serving.