Sadie Roach (6) and the Maryville Lady Rebels took part in the Blount County Volleyball Tournament at James C. Campbell Gymnasium on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Maryville, Tennessee. (Photo by Danny Parker)
BY DAVE LINK
Catholic and Maryville have been measuring sticks for girls’ volleyball in the 5Star Preps coverage area in recent years.
The Lady Irish have made the state’s Final Four nine consecutive years – winning two state titles (2016, 2021) in that span – before being ousted in the Division II-AA state quarterfinals by Chattanooga Baylor last year.
Maryville, meanwhile, has won six consecutive titles in District 4-AAA – one of the most competitive districts in the state – and made four straight trips to the state tournament.
Could this be the year they’re dethroned?
Perhaps.
Farragut looks to return to prominence under second-year coach Andre Alves, who was previously Brent Carter’s assistant at Catholic.
The Lady Admirals have been at the pinnacle of volleyball before.
They were Class AAA state runners-up three straight years to Brentwood from 2014-16 under coach Susan Davidson, who is now the coach at Central.
Farragut finished fourth in District 4-AAA last regular season, upset No. 3 Bearden in five sets in the district tournament, and finished the season with a 3-0 loss to No. 5 Heritage in the losers’ bracket.
But it’s a fresh start this season for the Lady Admirals – and everyone else – as the 2024 season gets started Monday (Aug. 19).
For volleyball fans wanting an early look at teams in the 5Star Preps coverage area, check out the annual Showdown at the Sunsphere at the Knoxville Convention Center on August 23-24, hosted by Heritage, Catholic, and Maryville. Top teams from across the state and Southeast compete in the tournament.
Here’s a look at some teams and players to watch (in alphabetical order) in the 5Star Preps coverage area:
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