2024 Volleyball Season Preview

Erik Holth, CBC Sports Information Director

            Conway, Ark. – Volleyball season begins tomorrow for the Central Baptist College Mustangs in their first season under new head coach Halee Hensley. First serve from Blue Mountain, Miss., against Blue Mountain Christian University is set for 6 p.m. with live links to coverage on the web.

            "I'm excited about my first season," said Hensley. "It's very nostalgic coming back and seeing a lot of familiar faces and coaches that were here when I was here (as a student-athlete)."

            Hensley inherits a team that went 14-13 last season and 4-5 in the AMC, good for sixth place in the conference. The Mustangs fell in the AMC Quarterfinals to William Woods in straight sets, but still earned their first season above .500 since 2007.

            The Mustangs return seven players from last year's squad, led by AMC first-team selection Madeline Freeman and AMC honorable mention selections Brooke Schmitz and Faith Stone. Joining them as returners are Lily Brister, Sheridan Rogers, Kailee Walker and Caroline Reams. "Madeline had quite a few double-doubles last year," added Hensley. "We have good leadership from our seniors as well and we have a goal to try and beat last year's win-loss record.

            The newcomers will have big shoes to fill with the loss of reigning AMC Defensive Player of the Year Mikayla Lawrence. The newcomers will be led by transfers Vanessa Van Dorn and Robynn Lucas and underclassmen Kate Scroggins, Xiangliesse Velazquez, Lakyn Johnson, Kiana Chapa, Hayleigh Work and Aubree Ruggles all will figure into the equation as well. "I expect 100 percent every play from all of these ladies," added Hensley. "If we have to slow down in practice to fix laziness, we will and all these players are comfortable with that. We have a lot of good talent coming in."

            CBC was picked sixth in the preseason AMC coaches poll behind Columbia, Missouri Baptist, William Woods, Stephens and Cottey. "The conference looks very different," said Hensley. "We don't have Park anymore from my days as a player but we still have Mo Bap and Columbia who are both top 10 programs in the NAIA. I'm excited to get things kicked off."

            The home opener for the Mustangs is Sept. 5 against Freed-Hardeman. "This season is going to be fun and we are going to have a lot of energy," said Hensley.