A rebuilding season at Caldwell County?
After losing four senior starters from last year’s 2nd Region championship volleyball team — including all-stater and Georgetown College signee Olivia Mitchell — you would think so.
But Caldwell doesn’t think that way.
“Our goal every year is to win the region,” said head coach Daniel Cortner, who begins his seventh season in charge of the Lady Tiger program. “That’s been our goal since day one.”
Caldwell is the 2nd Region’s winningest program with an all-time record of 496-197-2 in 20 seasons. The Lady Tigers undoubtedly would have gotten to 500 wins last year if COVID-19 hadn’t shortened the season.
Cortner is 146-62 in his time as Lady Tiger head coach. But he still has a ways to go to catch Sue Stone, who went 350-135-2 in 14 seasons after starting the Caldwell volleyball program in 2001.
Caldwell has captured six 2nd Region championships and has been regional runner-up four times. That’s 10 trips to the regional final in 20 chances.
In addition, the Lady Tigers have won the All A Classic regional title every year they have been eligible, claiming the small school regional 11 times.
The Lady Tigers have captured 14 straight district championships.
Caldwell is ranked No. 1 again in the 2nd Region preseason coaches’ poll. Henderson County is second, with Madisonville-North Hopkins, Christian County and University Heights Academy rounding out the Top 5.
For the Lady Tigers to have success in 2021, this year’s five seniors will have to step up to try to fill the openings left by last year’s graduates.
Adison Sullenger takes over at setter.
Mary Tays moves from an outside hitter role to libero.
Savannah Scott returns at right-side hitter while Kynady Thomas saw action at middle blocker last year.
Maggy Griggs looks to take on a bigger role as a defensive specialist.
In addition, junior Lilly Hoard steps into a key offensive position in 2021.
Junior Katie Menser saw some varsity action at the net last season. Also look for freshman Brylee Butts to be a big part of the offense this season.
Juniors Kyndra Winters and Claire Knoth will also see the court this year.
Caldwell’s girls will open the 2021 on Thursday with a trip to Christian County.
