volleyball

With the 2024 Kentucky High School Athletic Associate volleyball season returning to the hardwood next week, the McCracken County Lady Mustangs are preparing to continue what has officially become a decade of dominance within the First Region.

“I’m excited about this upcoming season. The girls have worked hard all off-season, and they’ve been excited to get back in the gym together,” McCracken County head coach Chancie Coleman said. “My two seniors, Addison Hart, and Elizabeth Gilbert, have grown into their roles as leaders this year.”

The McCracken County Lady Mustangs finished the 2023 fall season with a 27-12 record, undefeated in the First Region and Second District. Under Coleman’s guidance in her first season as the Mustangs’ head coach, the team collected the program’s 11th regional title since the school’s inception in the fall of 2013. Additionally, the program won its 11th district title, defeating Community Christian Academy in the Second District Championship.

The program made it to the Elite Eight of the 2023 Volleyball State Tournament by defeating University Heights in a three-set sweep. The Lady Mustangs fell to the eventual state runner-up Notre Dame.

“[On Hart and Gilbert] They’re a strong presence on the court, and their years of varsity experience have been really helpful in our transition to a team with only four previous varsity players,” Coleman said. “We’re looking forward to competing at a high level this season.”

Hart led the McCracken County Lady Mustangs last season with 480 kills. The senior appeared in 106 sets within 39 games for the team in 2023, tallying an extensive 35 total blocks and 14 assists, with 190 digs and 71 aces.

Gilbert, who will also wear crimson for one final season, appeared in 104 sets in 39 games for McCracken County. She collected 164 kills, 42 total blocks, 14 assists, 141 digs, and 49 aces. Rounding out returning notable names is Reagan Hill, who is now a junior. Hill appeared in 105 sets within 39 games, tallying 124 kills, 59 total blocks, 11 assists, 12 digs, and one ace.

The McCracken County Lady Mustangs will be featured in the fall Meet the Mustangs on Thursday at Marquette Stadium. The team will host St. Mary in the season home opening at Strawberry Hills Pharmacy Arena on August 22.