After a 2020 season that ended in unceremonious fashion due to COVID-19, the Heritage Christian Academy volleyball squad is looking to take a pair of big steps with its program.
HCA was was 10-3 under first-year coach Grace Waldron and ranked fourth in the KCAA Power Poll when a COVID quarantine first shut down the program and then ended the season when it was realized the quarantine would not end in time for the state tournament.
HCA lost just one player from last year’s squad — KCAA Miss Volleyball finalist Elizabeth Pitts.
“We have the same team returning from last year minus Elizabeth. We have four seniors and all have played a leadership role on the team,” Waldron said.
Lexie Crisp and Bella Peach saw the most action of the seniors in 2020. Tori Sutton and Sarah Sargeant will also see considerable court time for the Lady Warriors.
“Each one of them will play an important role on the team. They don’t all start, but they play a leadership role we need,” the coach said.
Elle Heltsley, who earned KCAA All-State honors last year, returns to the team with Crisp for some power at the net for HCA.
Sophomore Cora Hale and freshman Mya Goodwin will also crack the starting lineup for the Lady Warriors.
“Cora and Mya are the glue that keeps the rotation together,” Waldron said.
Juniors Bailey Craft and Kailyn Stanley also had a good summer on the court and will be huge contributors to the Lady Warrior attack.
“We wanted to work on our consistency and go from there,” Waldron said of their summer schedule that saw them compete at Western Kentucky’s team camp. “It was great to play KHSAA teams there and see what to expect against better competition.”
The expectations go to another level for the Lady Warriors as the school was approved for KHSAA membership over the summer. HCA won’t be eligible for KHSAA postseason play for two seasons but can play a hybrid schedule of KCAA and KHSAA teams. There are five KHSAA schools on the HCA schedule in addition to a weekend of games at the Wreck at the Plex.
“I think it’s going to be great to play those teams. We’ll have fresh legs for games and not spend 2-3 hours on a bus and then having to come back and play again the next night,” Waldron said.
HCA will compete in the KCAA for one more season and look to win its 17th straight region title.
Waldron likes what she has seen from the serving game but knows blocking and defensive coverage will need to improve.
“We’re still not there, but we are learning it and have changed our rotation to try and get better.”
Heritage Christian Academy opened its season by going 4-0 and claiming the Volleyjam championship hosted by Lancaster Christian in Smyrna.
HCA will play at Legacy Christian Tuesday and host Christian Fellowship Friday in the school’s first-ever KHSAA game. The Lady Warriors will play at Christian County Tuesday.
