Bolivar Volleyball hopes to keep building on a solid foundation coming into this fall season. Following up a 12-19-3 season last year, Coach Kyle Smith and the Liberators are looking to the future. With some returning Seniors in Abby Clark, Kenadee Baker, Sophia Garber, and Avery Hofstetter, Bolivar only graduated three seniors from last year's roster. However, there are also some newcomers to the varsity squad.
“New additions to the varsity roster, after the district roster from 2025, include three freshmen Macie Stark and Addison Heller who will see some time contributing this year,” said Smith. “Macie will see mostly front row opportunities, but has the ability to play any position on the court. Addison will play as a defensive specialist and will add a tough jump serve to the team. Zoie Burke is the third freshman joining varsity roster as a back-up setter. Ella Crawford as a sophomore is going to be taking over a starting setter role and we are excited for her to carry the weight of the offense well, and brings a knowledge of the game and willingness to work hard for her team.”
Senior Garber and Junior Skyla Moore will both be in their third season as a starter, with both expected to make significant impacts on the game. However, Smith believes many players could change the course of the game for the Liberators. “I think we will see an impact from a number of athletes on any given night, someone different could rise to carry the team and find success in a number of ways from the serving line, or offensively or defensively.”
The Liberators have their eyes set on continuing to improve and keeping a good mindset.
“We look for our lady liberators to grow in their skills and confidence while pursuing the ability to play with passion, intentionality and execute the things we work on in practice when competing in games,” said Smith. “We always pursue a next ball mentality and look for ways to lift each other up.”
Bolivar competed in their first jamboree at Hillcrest on Aug. 25, and they will host the third annual “Under the Lights” event outdoors in the parking lot at the Bolivar High School on Thursday, Aug. 27. It will be a scrimmage between the Bolivar Volleyball team, featuring food trucks and a raffle fundraiser.
