Wallace State Volleyball Ready to Spike into the 2024-2025 Season

The Wallace State Volleyball team, under the guidance of Head Coach Randy Daniel, is set to launch into the 2024-2025 season with high expectations. Entering his 18th year as head coach, Daniel has consistently led the Lady Lions to success, amassing 16 regular-season championships and 14 tournament championships. The team's first official game will take place on Aug. 22 at 6:30 EST, as they face Roane State Community College in Harriman, Tenn. 

Two sophomores who both played pivotal roles last season, Chloe Jackson of Athens and April Burgess of Alabaster, will return to the court this season.  

Jackson, a middle blocker, had a standout season last year, playing in all 53 matches and totaling 184 sets. She was a full-time starter and made a significant impact with 220 kills, 150 blocks and 75 digs. Jackson's strong performance and leadership on the court were pivotal to the team's success, and she is anticipated to continue her key role this season. 

Burgess, an outside hitter, known for her versatility on the court, returns with experience and determination to elevate the team further. She played in 50 matches last season, totaling 170 sets. She recorded 250 kills, 185 digs and 45 service aces, making her a versatile and reliable contributor on both offense and defense. Burgess's all-around play was key to the team's success last year and she is expected to take on an even larger role this season. 

Additionally, the team has welcomed sophomore transfer Valerie Rodriguez from Gillette College in Gillette, Wyo. Originally from Kissimmee, Fla., Rodriguez is expected to strengthen the team's defense with her impressive stats, including 214 digs and 18 service aces during the 2023-2024 season at Gillette College. 

As a sophomore, Jackson has embraced her role as a mentor for new teammates and has quickly become an important figure in the team's dynamic. Daniel said Jackson's team leadership extends beyond her impressive on-court statistics, and that her commitment to fostering team cohesion has made her an asset to the Lady Lions. 

"Chloe Jackson is a great team leader who leads by example. She really is dedicated on and off the court, and she's hoping to lead this team to another championship," Daniel said. 

Jackson, eager to lead by example, said she is excited to welcome all the new players as the team heads into the upcoming season. 

"I'm really looking forward to all the new girls we brought in. Last year, during my freshman year, the recruiting was very local—no one lived more than two hours away. Now, we have girls from Florida and others who are a bit farther out. I am excited to bring together our different levels of experience, meet new people and form new relationships," said Jackson. "Last year, I was blessed with sophomores who did a great job of taking care of us, pushing us and setting a high standard, which ultimately led to a great season. They made us promise that when it was our turn to be sophomores, we'd do the same for the freshmen. To me, it is very important to hold them to a high standard and help them learn how the program works. I try to push them to be their best while also being their biggest fan. I think they are a very disciplined group and respect the program's history, which makes my job easier." 

Daniel said he is optimistic about the team's potential, especially with the blend of experienced players and talented newcomers. Freshmen like Kailey Dickerson from Alexandria High School and Rachel Mecklenburg from Bob Jones High School have already shown they could be key contributors. Dickerson, an outside hitter, recorded 227 kills and 47 aces in her senior year. Mecklenburg, a setter, showcased her skills with 252 digs and 44 blocks during her senior year at Bob Jones.

"We are working hard to get back into the groove as far as volleyball fundamentals are concerned. We have a lot of new faces joining us this season, so we are focusing on trying to find good chemistry on the court," said Daniel.  

The Wallace State Volleyball team is ranked 12 in the NJCAA Division 2 Preseason rankings. The team's first home game is set for Sept. 6 against Northeast Mississippi, followed by a match against Itawamba. Wallace State will also host several key tournaments, including the Wallace State Fall Bash, where they'll face Chattanooga State and Roane State on Sept. 20, and Vincennes and Walters State on Sept. 21.  

Members of the 2024-2025 Wallace State Volleyball team include: Molly Shiflett of Corner; Chloe Jackson of Athens; Addison Delaney of Madison; Kailey Dickerson of Wellington; Amelia Fowler of Attalla; Amanda Monge of Davenport, Fla.; April Burgess of Alabaster; Kaylee Roman of Deltona, Fla.; Abby McDonald of Fairview; Valerie Rodriguez of Kissimmee, Fla.; Ali Price of Rainsville; Ava Calvarese of Fairview; Rachel Mecklenburg of Madison; Aliana Quesada of Orlando, Fla. 

The coaching staff includes Head Coach Randy Daniel, Assistant Coach Ella Claire Beard and Assistant Coach Makayla Lindsey, a former Wallace State player who graduated last year. Lauren Weber, who played last season, has returned this year as the team manager. 

With a strong mix of leadership, talent and new energy, the Lady Lions are poised for another successful season as they work towards maintaining their tradition of excellence on the court.