by Matt Wright
The Lakeland Prep Volleyball team kicked off their 2021 season this past Saturday at the ECS Middle School Tournament. Approximately 20 teams from West Tennessee participated in a very competitive tournament that lasted from 8am to 5pm. The Lions played a good mix of competition including Tipton Rosemark Academy and old municipal league foe West Collierville. The Lions also got a taste of a new district member when they advanced to play Brighton in the afternoon bracket.
Once again, Coaches Katy Betts and Lauren Cocroft are coaching the middle school teams at Prep and so far they like what they see. Like other coaches at the middle school level, they are not only tasked with fielding competitive teams, but they are also preparing the athletes for high school competition. Lakeland’s high school opens next August so all the players on the existing middle school team will move up to form the first high school volleyball team for Lakeland. Next year the team will play a freshman schedule.
The Lady Lions showed some strong play in the tournament, while also struggling with typical first game jitters. Multiple players stood out for the Lions, especially the left-handed middle blocker Maddie Doan. Coach Cocroft expects Maddie, a current 8th grader, to play a crucial role in the development of the team this season, and beyond. “Maddie Doan will be a tough competitor for us,” Coach Cocroft told Lakeland Currents. She added, “she’s a super lefty.”
Coaches also pointed out the play of Madeline Chauffe’s saying, “She is small but mighty! Our toughest server!” Coach Cocroft said. Even some new players made an impact at the season opening tournament. “Ella Burd is brand new to the game of volleyball but she’s already learning the game quickly. She’s very athletic and a great human being!” Coach Cocroft said.
Coaches also see unlimited potential as the girls move up into the high school ranks pointing out the amount of time they will have together. “The years together will most definitely help the girls bond and become a stronger team, a real team, and sisterhood,” the coach said. She pointed out how unique it is to play together starting in middle school and finishing high school together. “They can potentially have 8 years together,” Coach Cocroft said. She added, “They will know each other so well and will have the ability to predict and anticipate what their teammates will do because they’ve spent so much time together on the court.”
The Lady Lions season continues this week as they play Millington in Millington.
