The Eudora volleyball team enters the 2022 season with high expectations and a motivated group, despite losing several key players from a season ago. 

With this team being younger compared to previous seasons, the Cardinals look into this fall with high hopes and a chance to continuously improve throughout their 2022 campaign. 

For now however, the team is working on getting familiar with each other and the varsity spotlight.

“We have a great group of kids in the gym with us,” head coach Mallorie Cleveland said. “It’s great to see who I’ve worked with from such a young age finally step into a high school role as a freshman. They’re getting their feet wet right now, but there’s a lot of potential with these young kids.”

Despite all of the young potential from the underclassman, several upperclassmen will lead the team early on, providing much needed leadership. 

Leading the way for the Cardinals this season is senior captain Josie Pickett, who had a standout 2021 season. 

“We only have about three seniors and with that it’s a little hard because we do need help from the juniors to kind of lead a little bit,” Pickett said. “I have to teach the girls that communication is key and provide overall compassion for the younger girls that are still learning and figuring out how high school volleyball works.” 

In addition to Pickett, fellow senior Sawyer Schreiner will also look to provide the leadership needed for success, but is also excited to return to the court and be back with this new group of players. 

“I love the energy and the noise on the court,” Schreiner said. “I’ve missed this all summer. We’re gonna rely a lot on our juniors because our juniors are a big portion of our varsity team.” 

With winning being the top priority as always, Cleveland and her team remain determined to compete every set, going against tough competition from start to finish in 2022. 

“I want the team to bring out that hard-nosed competitive mindset,” Cleveland said. “When you have state contending teams going up against you in your league, it’s going to be a lot of fun, competitive volleyball.”

The team plays its first match at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6 on the road at Spring Hill High School. 

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Reach reporter Gus Baylow at [email protected].