Warlassies set to serve up another strong campaign

Owen volleyball jumps into 2024 season with 3-0 victory over Erwin

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 15, 2024

By nearly any measure, last season was a successful one for the Owen High School volleyball program. The team, led by a pair of freshmen, jumped two spots in the Western Highlands Conference standings to take sole possession of second place while advancing to the second round of the playoffs and a 16-6 record.

The young roster, which returns seven underclassmen, two juniors and four seniors, is unlikely to catch opponents off-guard in 2024, but as the Warlassies opened the season, Aug. 13, with a 3-0 victory over Erwin, it wasn’t necessary.

Led by reigning conference co-player of the year and team MVP Mia Roland, Owen kicked off its campaign with a strong performance against the visiting Warriors. The sophomore captain recorded 14 kills and 21 digs to lift her team to a 25-16, 25-18, 25-16 performance. Fellow sophomore and captain Kenzie Robinson added a team-high 30 assists in the contest, as Owen set out to improve on last year’s strong showing.

“I have high expectations for these girls,” second-year head coach Nikki Roland said, following her team’s opening night victory. “Even though we’re still really young, I know these players we have coming back know we have potential to be as good, or better, as we we were last season.”

Those aspirations served as a motivating force throughout the off-season, according to the coach.

“These players work extremely hard. In fact, the last couple of weeks we’ve going three to four hours a day,” she said. “We also have kids who want to meet when we’re not practicing as a team to work on skills, individually. I’m extremely lucky because this team has such a strong work ethic and character.”

The roster, which includes emergent outside hitter Ava Grant, who notched 10 kills and an ace against Erwin, is committed to making a run at the WHC title.

“We have a great chance to compete for the conference, if we keep working on our mental toughness,” the coach said. “You can never say for sure, but knowing these girls and the way they play for each other, a conference championship is certainly possible.”

The continued development of the coach’s daughter, Mia, who led the team in nearly every statistical category as a freshman, and Robinson, will be crucial in the Warlassies’ efforts.

“Mia’s ability to understand her impact on her teammates and channel that into something good, instead of allowing it to become a source of stress is key,” the coach said. “We just want her to have fun playing the game and allow herself to keep growing in that leadership role.”

While Owen’s reigning Overall Athlete of the Year brings an element of intensity to the team dynamic, Robinson provides the balance.

“As our setter, Kenzie has a difficult job because she has a lot riding on her,” the coach said. “But, she has an amazing personality and she’s very outgoing, so that helps keep everyone calm. She’s always laughing and having fun, and that’s something she brings to every game.”

Robinson employs a versatile style of play that can be adapted to suit the skill sets of individual teammates.

“Over the summer I worked on getting to know where the hitters like their sets,” she said. “For me, it’s a matter of knowing who to go when I see a spot on the other side of the net that’s open, and then being able to set them up where they can put it there.”

That commitment to developing a cohesive team approach is a cornerstone of Owen volleyball, according to Mia.

“We have an advantage because so many of us play other sports together, whether it’s travel ball or other sports here at the school,” she said. “Chemistry is such a big piece for us, because we know each other outside of this gym and inside. At our best, we’re able to sync up and make things happen on the court.”

Strengthening that bond throughout the season is a priority for Robinson.

“We have such a good group of girls, and I’m looking forward to growing together as a team,” she said. “We already had a strong bond last year, but this season we’re really starting to feel like a family.”

It’s an atmosphere that is welcomed by the players and coach.

“I think one of the things we do best is not being selfish,” Mia said. “If our middle hitters are out there having a great night, it’s not just good for them, it’s good for the whole team. Everyone picks up on that energy and that’s something we’re going to have to rely on throughout the season.”

Owen will return to their home court at 5:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 19, when they host North Henderson.

“Our team chemistry and work ethic are our strengths,” the head coach said. “They work hard together, but they also enjoy playing the game together. These kids are so familiar with each other that they know how to pick their teammates up when they need it, and it’s fun to be a part of.”

Photos of the Warlassies’ 2024 season opener can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.