***Season Preview*** Veteran Roster Gives Volleyball a Fresh Look
Conference tournament final run builds confidence for 2024 team.
NASHVILLE (August 5, 2024)—In 2023, the Fisk University Lady Bulldog Volleyball Team enjoyed its best season in the 21st century. Their 21 wins and first appearance in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference's championship game were both firsts for any program this decade. A great season gives high expectations for the following year, something that head coach Jessica Enderle and her veteran squad are looking forward to.
"We went hard on the recruiting trail to keep the momentum going," said Enderle. Last year, we got an excellent taste of how good we are. Now, it is time to improve on that. We mixed in some returners with some high-impact transfers. All we have to do is jell, and we will be fine. I love our fresh look."
The freshness is not only going to be seen on the court but also in the locker room. Volleyball upgraded their area with new lockers, furniture, and graphics. On the court, Belmont University transfer Sydney Willis leads the newcomers. Willis will use her 6'3 frame to sustain the middle and help take the load off losing Gulf Coast Athletic Conference first-teamer Iyanla Thigpen. Thigpen is now a graduate assistant.
"I feel extremely fortunate to be here," said Willis. The culture here is awesome. Our goal is to put in the work in the gym and simply win a championship. We have a long way to go, but with the heart that we do, we will make it there."
Front liner Anayah Duncan, a transfer from conference foe Dillard University, newcomers 6'0 Laila Esters, and jumping jack Reagan Jones will solidify a big and active frontline. They will join a solid group of returners on the front row of seniors Trinity Crawford and Aja Coffee, junior Delaney Farver, and much-improved sophomores La'Niyah Lumpkin and Kaidence Morton.
The Lady Bulldogs' well-balanced attack from the backend will be a key to their success. Returning Conference Freshman of the Year Nebthet Re and classmates Trinity Britt and Sahnee Dillahunt-Nedd will be a focal point from the setter position to quarterback the offense.
On the defensive end, Enderle will turn to Nialah Gupton and transfer from Virginia State University Aaliyah Bethea to fill the void left by losing All-American Jadyn Brackins at the libero position.
The team will be in action this Saturday for the annual Blue-White match. They will spend the month of August on the road before taking on Stillman College and Brescia University in their home openers on September 7.
Returners:
SENIORS (2)
Aja Coffee
JUNIORS (2)
SOPHOMORES (5)
Newcomers
GRAD SENIORS (2)
Anayah Duncan
SOPHOMORES (3)