This year’s Belgreen High School varsity volleyball team will be an interesting squad—perhaps an exciting one—to keep an eye on as the 2025 campaign begins in just a few short weeks.
The Lady Bulldogs, who will come in as one of the older and more experienced local teams, achieved some of their goals last year; but BHS competes in a tough area—Class 2A Area 14—which includes reigning state semifinalist Mars Hill, Covenant Christian, and a Tharptown side that should be improved with experience, as well.
Belgreen head coach Alison Terry, entering her second season in charge of the Lady Bulldogs, knows the challenges her team will face, but she’s confident her 2025 team can build on its successes from last campaign.
“I believe I have developed a great relationship with (the players). They know what I stand for, and I know what they stand for,” Terry said. “We want to keep the same momentum as last season. I want the seniors to understand that this is it. I want all players, especially the seniors, to leave it all on the floor each and every game.
“These girls can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” she added. “I've seen them dig deep and win matches that I thought were impossible. A successful volleyball season for us will be a balance of results, growth, and team experience. If we improve, support each other, and finish stronger than we started, that’s a win, regardless of the scoreboard.”
As mentioned previously, this Belgreen side will be an older and more experienced group. Despite losing two seniors last year—Morgan Lauderdale and Dacota Green, who both received athletic scholarships to Northwest Shoals Community College—the Lady Bulldogs still return with six seniors and four juniors this season.
Whether it’s vocally or through actions, Terry said she expects all six of her seniors—Bryn Scott, Carson Hovater, Laura Seal, Audree West, and Alayna and Isabella Tate—to be team leaders in their own way. But obviously the head coach will need her seniors to lead with their performances on the court, as well, if the Lady Bulldogs are going to be successful this season.
Bryn Scott, a libero, and Carson Hovater, a middle hitter/blocker, are two of Belgreen’s three returning FFP All-Franklin County players from a season ago and will be looked to to have another good year this year.
“I expect "BB" (Scott) to dominate in the libero role. She amazes me getting to hard hit volleyballs or picking up tips. She is all over the place and a tough competitor,” Terry said. “Carson has been playing since 7th grade and she is definitely the most vocal leader. It seems she is the spokesperson for the team. She's good about relaying information back and forth. She's got to keep the team hyped and working together. I expect her to be a dominant middle blocker/hitter this season.”
Alayna Tate, Terry said, will serve as BHS’ main setter this season, a crucial position on every team.
“Even though passes may not be perfect, she somehow gets the ball exactly where our hitters need it. She is good about communicating with hitters to see what she can do to make their job easier,” Terry said of Tate. “Setters and passers usually don't get a lot of praise—the hitters usually get recognized—but all kills begin from a good pass and a good set.”
Joining the six seniors are four juniors, including FFP All-County Honorable Mention middle hitter Lilliana Willingham, and one sophomore to round out the varsity roster.
“I expect a lot from these girls returning. We have the experience to have a very successful season,” Terry said.
Belgreen’s goals this season, Terry said, are similar to last year’s: win another county tournament title, win the area championship, and secure a berth in the AHSAA postseason. These are achievable goals, Terry said, but whatever the 2025 campaign has in store for the Lady Bulldogs, the second-year head coach wants to ensure her players’ season and their time in the program is special.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing group of girls. They make coaching truly rewarding,” she said. “We laugh together, have fun, and sometimes even cry—but every moment is meaningful. My hope is that one day they’ll look back on their time with this team and remember it as one of the best experiences of their lives.”
Belgreen opens its season at a Colbert Heights-hosted tournament on Saturday, August 23.
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