Mindy Hargrove begins her first season as head volleyball coach at Fort Campbell High School, after ten years in the same position at Hopkinsville High School. Coach Hargrove inherits a team coming off a difficult 2016, posting a 9-24 record, including winless district and region marks. The Lady Falcons’ season ended with an 0-3 first round 8th District Tournament loss to UHA, the 6th straight season FCHS has failed to win a game in the tournament. Fort Campbell’s last district tournament win came in 2010, when it made a run to the district championship game, losing 1-2 to the Christian County High School Lady Colonels. The Lady Falcons’ participation in the 2016 All “A” 2nd Region Tournament ended with an 0-3 first round loss to UHA.
As Coach Hargrove gets settled in on post, her first concern will be replacing five 2016 graduates. M/RS Alyssia Holt, M/OH Anna Murphy, OH Sara Rendon, libero Hannah Tomerlin and RS/M Nataliah Whetstone will all be missed when the Lady Falcons take the court August 14th against Clarksville Northwest High School. FCHS beat Northwest twice last season, 3-1 on post and 3-2 away, and will play five matches against Tennessee opposition this season. The Lady Falcons are not scheduled to play in any in-season tournaments in 2017.
Hargrove will have a number of returning players to count on, beginning with the lone senior on the 2017 roster, outside hitter Jordyn Harter. Four junior returnees will provide the bulk of the varsity roster. Coach Hargrove describes libero/DS Chandler Burgoyne as a strong passer and good server. Joining Burgoyne are middle blocker Emma Syster, setter Taeler Doyle, and DS Darrlynn Wright. Returning sophomores Lexi Lillard (outside), Abbey Marks, and freshman Jasmin Jones round out the varsity roster. Coach Hargrove notes Lillard is a particularly strong hitter and a versatile player.
