Consistency. That’s the name of the game for the Russellville High School varsity volleyball team as it starts its 2025 campaign in August.
Second-year Russellville head coach Madison Lamon highlighted the Lady Golden Tigers’ lack of consistency in matches last season when talking to the Franklin Free Press. This year, as the Lady Golden Tigers prepared in preseason, Lamon has made it a priority to address.
“One of the biggest things I learned last season was the importance of consistency in our expectations, communication, and culture. This year, we're being even more intentional about building on that consistency and maintaining a positive, accountable environment both on and off the court,” Lamon said.
As Lamon states, it’s not just consistency in results RHS is looking for but consistency in how the Lady Golden Tigers approach the game, how they play.
Communication, as the saying goes, is key. That’s one area where the head coach believes her team has made strides this summer.
“This preseason I’ve seen a big improvement in our communication and intentionality on the court,” Lamon said. “The girls are more aware and vocal, especially when it comes to coverage and knowing who’s taking the ball in tight situations. Compared to last year, there’s more focus and understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish. Heading into the season, we’re really emphasizing defensive consistency, court coverage, and strong first-ball kill.”
The priorities—in this case the three C’s: consistency, communication, culture—are set by the head coach but, at the end of the day, have to be borne out by the players. That typically starts with the older, more experienced student-athletes.
Russellville has two seniors this year, Laila Hill and Fatima Ramirez. Lamon said she expects both to be vocal leaders on and off the court, helping the Lady Golden Tigers achieve their objectives this season.
Hill and Ramirez were both FFP All-Franklin County Team selections last season with Hill placed on the First Team and Ramirez earning an Honorable Mention nod. Hill, an outside hitter, led the Lady Golden Tigers in kills in 2024 with 246. The setter Ramirez, who suffered through injury last campaign, still ended 2024 with 172 assists, and she’ll be expected to play a major role again this year.
Lamon also expects sophomores Blevyn Sappington and Bri McCulloch, despite their youth, to help lead a relatively young squad, as well. Sappington was a FFP All-County First Team outside hitter as a freshman, finishing with the second-most kills and digs for RHS. McCulloch, the Lady Golden Tigers’ libero, found herself as an All-County Honorable Mention, too, leading Russellville with 566 digs last season.
“We’re relying on every player to perform their role to the best of their ability, but we do have a few returners who will play key roles,” Lamon said. “Laila Hill, our outside hitter who led us in kills last season, is back. Fatima Ramirez, our senior setter, does a great job leading the offense. Bri McCulloch brings hustle and grit as our libero, and Blevyn Sappington is a versatile utility player who does a little bit of everything for us.”
Besides those four key players, Lamon said fans should keep an eye on another young player, Adaleigh Smith.
“One new player we’re excited about is Adaleigh Smith. She was moved up at the end of last season but suffered an ankle injury after just a few matches,” Lamon said. “We’ve placed her in a new position this year, and she’s stepped up big time, working hard, adjusting quickly, and always giving her best with a great attitude.”
With the season right around the corner, Lamon was asked to define success for this 2025 Russellville varsity volleyball team. Of course, every team wants to win as many matches as possible, but Lamon said she’d evaluate this season based more on how her players establish and grow into the program’s core values—those three C’s again.
“Our goals this season go beyond just wins and losses. We want to build better young ladies. We want to continue building a strong team culture based on accountability, communication, and effort. We’re aiming to be more consistent and compete in every match,” she said. “A successful season for us means seeing growth, both individually and as a team. If the girls support each other, focus on our core values, and stay committed to the process, then no matter the record, I believe it will be a successful season.
“We would love to have the community come and support this volleyball season. These girls have been putting in the time and effort this summer, and great things are coming,” Lamon added.
Russellville opens its 2025 season Thursday, August 21, on the road at Hamilton High School where the Lady Golden Tigers will face two opponents, the Lady Aggies and Fayette High School.
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