Volleyball program continues to rise

Bryce Houchens, Sports Editor|November 2, 2022

GRC’s volleyball team did not win a game the season before Coach Kainan Hudson was hired in 2021.

This season the volleyball team made a massive jump, won the district championship, advanced to the semis of the region tournament, and set themselves up for a very bright future.

“Since taking over as head coach here at GRC, I have seen this team grow more than I ever could’ve hoped for,” says Hudson. “They have shown time after time they want to create something special here in the game of volleyball and use that platform to show how proud they are to be a part of this program and share that with fellow students, staff, admin, and community members.”

Even with the region semifinal loss to Scott High last week, it was still a very good season as the girls finished 18-11 on the year, a far cry from 9-18 in 2021, Hudson’s rebuild season, 0-15 in 2020’s short season, and 5-27 in 2019. The girls were also able to complete a sweep over last year’s region champions, the Montgomery County Indians.

Eighth grader Mia Pendley leads the team in kills followed by juniors Jordan Thompson and Ella Lowe. All are players that will return next year and really help this team be even better. Kelsey McKeehan led the team in service aces which is a big part of how the Cards were able to get many of their points throughout the year.

Kamryn Toler kept many points off the board for the other team by leading the team in digs, followed by McKeehan. Both players return next year.

Coach Hudson has loved coming to GRC and seeing his team begin to progress so quickly. “I believe that as athletes and volleyball players these students have grown to be able to unlock all the potential they have as individuals,” Hudson says. “That transfers into making us the best team we can be, being able to play at a high level, competing against big teams, and keeping us in conversations that let people know we are a great team. I know I will continue to see this growth in all our athletes as a part of this program to continue to lead us to future success.”

It is really rewarding for the players to finally be where they need to be. “It was amazing seeing all the hard work that we have put in finally pay off,” McKeehan said. “I definitely think we shocked a lot of people with our accomplishments this season. It is definitely a great feeling to have.”

She looks forward to accomplishing more as a senior next season. “I hope we keep pushing to make history,” she said. “GRC volleyball has never had a region championship appearance before and it would be an amazing accomplishment to be the first team to make it that far, and hopefully win it.”

Senior leader Abby Kubican said the work in the preseason and the team bond made a difference this season. “I think a big difference was the amount of work we put into the preseason and just overall stronger team chemistry,” she said. “The energy on and off the court was what brought home the district title.”

Not only is Coach Hudson focused on a region championship next year, but he also wants to make sure his players continue to grow individually. “My hopes for next season are to continue this growth in our players and program to be at this level competing for District Championships and getting to that next level of trying to compete for a regional Championship as well, but to also make sure every player gets better with each season and leads them to a successful high school career and knowledge and experience that will carry over to anything they chose to do in life.”

Coach Hudson has turned this program around quickly, and it is on the rise. The team has a long offseason ahead but next year the Cards will find themselves with some special opportunities.