Picture courtesy of Sandy Tull
The conclusion of the 2019/2020 Waldron Sr High Lady Bulldogs volleyball season saw some outstanding fetes. The girls went 10-4 in conference play. Had a 12-12 total season record. And they made it to the second round of the 3A West State Tournament before falling 3-1 to Piggott. Not too shabby in my opinion. But along with the smiles, there were also some tears. The Lady Bulldogs not only had to say bon voyage to seniors Bayleigh Lipham and Taylor Stacy, but they had to say goodbye to head coach, Toby Hollin as well. Coach Hollin was reassigned in order to recover from a shoulder injury. “My time with these girls has forever impacted my life,” Coach Hollin heartbreakingly responded. “They have helped me become a better coach, mom, and an all-around better person. I hope that along the way, they have learned to always believe in themselves the way I believe in them. They will always hold a special place in my heart!”
As the Lady Bulldogs volleyball program prepares to say hello to a new year, the girls also get to say hello to some exciting changes. Stepping into the head coaching position will be Hannah Scantling with assistant coaching help from Bailey Moore, who is currently on maternity leave. To say that Coach Scantling is ready for the start of the volleyball season would be an understatement. “I am so excited! Honestly, getting this position may be one of the best things that have happened to me this year. I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to coach this group of seniors. I think they are a special group and can achieve big things this year. One of our main goals is to get back to the State Tournament!”
While other programs will see a major change in the opponents they will be facing in the upcoming season, the Lady Bulldogs 3A West conference will only have to endure a few alterations. Departing will be the Mansfield Lady Tigers as they take their place in the 2A West conference and arriving will be Green Forest and Hackett. Not worried about this conference revamping are the Sr High Lady Bulldogs. The Sr High roster this year is heavily loaded with twelfth graders who aren’t afraid of a challenge and more than ready to guide the underclassmen. “We have a team full of seniors, 10 to be exact, that have been faithful to the program and I have no doubt they will lead this team. We have a couple of juniors, Molly Richmond and Bianca Hinojosa that I think will step up and help tremendously. Molly is a returner from last year and I expect big things out of her this year. Bianca hasn’t played since 7th grade, but she has really impressed me so far and could potentially be a middle hitter for us this year.”
Even with having to endure certain changes to summer practice due to the recent epidemic, the Sr Lady Bulldogs are making the best of an unfavorable situation. “It has affected us just like it has everyone else. We’ve had to adjust practice and it’s been tough, but I am so proud of how well the girls have adjusted. Of course, no one likes the situation, but if you could see inside our gym you would see athletes that are dedicated even when they are being asked to wear masks, socially distance from teammates/friends, and do individual workouts.”
