CHICKASHA FIGHTIN’ CHICKS
Coach: NANCY WATERS
8-22
OUTLOOK
This year could be Chickasha’s opportunity to enter a new chapter of its volleyball program’s history. Head coach Nancy Waters has a vision for the Chicks’ success. “This group has the opportunity to be very good. We have been passing the ball well during the summer. If we can sustain that passing, we can be very hard to beat,” Waters said. “We are very athletic and the girls play well together. Our blocking has improved so much this summer. We have a lot of good hitters and we will need good blocking to help our passers get the ball up. Our outside and middles will be a very hard group to play defense against.”
A catalyst in Chickahsa’s improved passing, KK Willard (Jr.) is one of the most anticipated returning players in the area. She is an engine for the Chicks’ offense “KK will be our libero this season,” Waters said. “Her passing has improved so much in the past year. As KK passes, so goes our offense. If she can be consistent all season, we will have a very good season. She will rely on Alexis Wilson (Sr.) on the back row to take a lot of balls that she can not get to.” Waters is excited about the budding talent that is Liberty Proulx, a middle hitter with great potential. “Liberty is 6-2 with long arms — the perfect style for a middle hitter,” Waters said. “She needs to get stronger and more experienced, but she has made tremendous progress during the summer.” The presence of Zoee Jones (Jr.), a setter, can’t be understated. “Zoee
is a very quiet person with a strong competitive spirit. She never asks for the spotlight, she just does her job. She is a very good setter and if Zoee can get the ball to our hitter we will be very hard to beat,” Waters said. Fellow setter Ava McDonald (Sr.) is a consistent playmaker for the Chicks, but more importantly, an exemplary studentathlete. As Waters looks to develop young talent within this year’s team, veterans like McDonald are instrumental in the team’s success. “Ava is a very steady and reliable player,” Waterssaid. “She takes care of her grades in the classroom and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is always willing to help the younger players learn new skills.” The Fightin’ Chicks’ 2024 season opens Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Blanchard starting at 4:30 p.m