A fresh campaign just around the corner, the Tharptown High School varsity volleyball team is eyeing new heights under a new head coach in 2025.
Since being appointed the head coach of the Lady Wildcats in March, Lori Huffaker, who had a successful stint previously as the head volleyball coach at Hatton, has worked on building team chemistry and the player-coach relationship.
“I’ve had the chance to get to know the girls a little better over the summer with the few volleyball workouts we’ve had and our three summer playdates,” Huffaker told the Franklin Free Press. “With this being my first year coaching at Tharptown, they are getting to know me, as well, and they are learning my expectations. It takes time for players to adjust to a new coach; it doesn’t happen overnight, but I have been super impressed with their attitude as well as their athleticism.”
Since beginning preseason preparations late last month, Huffaker said she has seen progress in some areas; at the same time she’s noticed areas where her squad still need to make larger leaps forward.
“Since we started volleyball on June 23, I have seen many improvements. They are enhancing their teamwork, and I see some excitement in them. I hope all of that continues through the season,” Huffaker said. “A couple areas we need to address is what it means to have commitment and improving their volleyball IQ. We are diligently working on that daily.”
With a senior-heavy roster and several returning players from last year’s team, the 2025 Lady Wildcats shouldn’t suffer from lack of leadership or experience this season. The outcome of this campaign will be determined by how these older, more seasoned players perform on the court.
“We have six seniors on the team this year. I expect senior leadership from them all, especially Alyssa Fischer and Malia McCullar,” Huffaker said.
Fischer and McCullar were both FFP All-Franklin County Honorable Mentions as juniors in 2024.
“Alyssa is the setter and is a fierce competitor. Malia is dependable on the court and brings a great deal of enthusiasm to the team,” the head coach added. “Senior Leonela Vela will be a key blocker for us on the right side.”
Huffaker also touted the return of junior outside hitter Karrah Nichols, another FFP All-Franklin County Honorable Mention, and sophomore middle hitter Carly Cason, who landed a spot on the All-County First Team. Newcomer Cadence Kennedy also got a shout as a player to keep an eye on—a “great asset” to the team, according to Huffaker.
Huffaker said Tharptown hasn’t set specific goals for this upcoming season just yet, but she knows what she wants to see from her team when the Lady Wildcats hit the hardwood next month.
“I have a few personal goals for them,” she said. “I hope that each player gives 110 percent each and every day and performs to their highest potential. And I would like for all of them to look back on the 2025 season knowing that they gave it their all and that they were the best teammate that they could be.”
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