POPLARVILLE, Miss. — Pearl River volleyball’s 2023 season was another for the record books as the Wildcats clinched the Region 23 Championship. With the new season just a few hours away, PRCC looks to keep the ball rolling in 2024.
“The 2023 season was epic for our program and so much fun for our team. We struggled a little early while establishing leadership, but once those difference makers realized who they were, they took full ownership, and success increased by the day. We will all cherish the 2023 season and the complete joy it gave us.”
Heading into the new season, a major key to PRCC’s success will be who takes charge as the team’s leader.
“This season will be decided on leadership,” Chatham said. “‘You’ve heard the adage’ average teams are led by coaches; great teams are led by players.’ It’s 100 percent true. When players realize the power of taking ownership of their team, amazing things happen.
“When it’s theirs to protect, push, sacrifice for and take pride in, they suddenly realize it’s all in their hands, and there is no limit. That is my hope for this team and that they can use this experience to draw upon for the rest of their lives.”
RETURNERS
Making her return to the squad in 2024 is PRCC’s two-sport athlete Peyton Hoffmayer (Ocean Springs), who played a pivotal role on last season’s team. The opposite hitter racked up 138 kills, 67 digs and 60 total blocks as a freshman.
“2024 will be Peyton’s time to shine,“ Chatham said. “She developed tremendously as a pin attacker during her freshman season. She’s put on a clinic every day of preseason camp.”
Madi King (Leakesville; Greene County) was thrust into the starting lineup last season due to an injury on the squad and found herself as a valuable option at middle blocker. She ended the year with 50 block assists and 53 kills.
“We will expect Madi to use the experience she gained last season to amplify her speed and power this season,“ Chatham said. “Madi is so smart and has always been capable of learning new skills. She plays quickly and thoroughly.“
Allie Varner (Madison; Germantown) saw action in 62 sets as a freshman and is expected to slide into the libero role for the 2024 season. Last year, she earned 100 digs, 24 kills and three block assists.
“Allie is still a jack of all trades,“ Chatham said. “Her experience, speed, and passing have landed her in the libero jersey. We want to keep her on the court as much as possible, and we can do that with her in the libero role.”
Setter Madison Butler (Biloxi; D’Iberville) was primed to have a breakout freshman season before suffering an injury last season. Playing in 44 sets, she tallied 121 assists and 76 digs.
“Butler was a huge loss for us when she was out last year,“ Chatham said. “She has a great eye for reading a defense, and her energy and effort propel her to get under every ball.”
Annalaura Williford (Bay St. Louis; Our Lady Academy) enters her sophomore season off a 43 kill, 30 digs and 18 assist freshman campaign.
“Annalaura is the type of player that every coach is excited to have on their roster,“ Chatham said. “She is so versatile because she’s not afraid of anything. She can move around the lineup based on our opponent’s tendencies.”
Shelbi Harris (Sumrall; Purvis) played a reserve role as a freshman, seeing action in just two matches.
“Shelbi has really improved in her serving and passing over the last season,“ Chatham said. “She will provide us with a good option to go to in the backcourt.”
NEWCOMERS
One newcomer Chatham expects to be in the starting lineup right from the jump is Morgan Mears (Hurley; East Central). The middle blocker stands at 6-foot.
“Morgan will establish the middle for us this season,“ she said. “She is a high IQ kid with great size, speed and power. I already have a ton of confidence in her and know she will be a crucial part of our offense and defense.”
The power-hitting pinhitter Avery Wheat (Gonzales, La.; East Ascension) will be another go-to for the Wildcats in her freshman season.
“Avery is a force on the outside, and she will bring a multitude of shots to our offense,“ Chatham said. “She’s quick and consistently beats the block. We will lean on her speed and power outside.”
Olivia Shirley (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) will be another option on the right side, and Allie Richardson (Fruitdale, Ala.) will see time at the pins or in the middle.
“Olivia was a later roster addition and has been excellent on the right side the last two weeks. I expect her to step in and make an impact, especially with her block. Allie can hit the pins and can run the middle. She will give us a multitude of options when we need them. She’s a hard worker, and I’ve seen her get faster and better in the preseason.
PRCC added a trio of defensive specialist options in Sophie Warren (Brandon), Lindsey Hall (Hattiesburg; Oak Grove) and Campbell Bailey (Elberta, Ala.; St. Michael).
“Sophie is a dynamic defensive specialist with speed and great ball control. She comes from a program that is a contender every year, so she knows how to win,“ Chatham said. “Lindsey is fast as lightning. She is passing and controlling the ball well. She can run down a ball faster than anyone we’ve ever had on the roster.
“Campbell has come in and proven herself to be a really solid player in all facets. She’s a hard worker, and it shows. She’s had great training and is so smart at the pins, but she also serves well and gives us consistent good contacts in the backcourt.”
Newcomers Skyla Rann (Gonzales, La.; East Ascension) and Jordyn Wilks (Independence, La.; Hammond Magnet) will be options as setters.
“Jordyn brings us options. She’s a well-trained setter and a gritty defensive specialist,“ Chatham said. “She’s already improved her offensive speed with fast, deceptive sets. She’s a tough kid and plays with guts.
“I am so impressed with Skyla. She is a well-trained setter who was given natural gifts that put her over the top. She is falling into our system nicely.”
GETTING STARTED
Pearl River begins the season at 5 p.m. with a home contest against Coastal Alabama – South. The Wildcats remain at Shivers Gymnasium on Saturday as Coastal Alabama – North takes the trip to Poplarville for a 1 p.m. match.
TUNE IN
All Pearl River home volleyball games are livestreamed for free at PRCCMedia.com/Gold. Fans who have Roku, Amazon Fire or Apple TV devices can also watch the Wildcat broadcasts by downloading the “Pearl River CC” channel from their app stores.
TICKETING
Tickets are on sale now at PRCCAthletics.com/Tickets. Tickets purchased in advance are $8. Tickets purchased on gameday are $10. Season passes can be purchased for $66.
For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on X (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).
