Just like every other Fort Knox athletic program, the Eagles’ volleyball team will experience some roster turnover in the new season because of families relocating to other duty stations.
This season, Fort Knox is gaining players too.
“The team will have several new players this year and we have a few that will be returning to the team that have been with us for a couple of years,” Fort Knox head coach Goldie Allen said. “Our team is looking forward to a better season than what we had last year.”
The Eagles finished 2022 with a 1-15 record, falling in the first round of the district tournament to North Hardin.
As for 2023, they’ll see key returners in Olivia Medina, Kelia Carman, Nia Aldana and Rachel Irvin make their way back onto the Fort Knox roster.
Medina, a senior setter, led the team in assists last season with 41 and is looking to rack up even more this season as captain of the Eagles.
Carman, a sophomore defensive specialist, also anticipates improvement in the new season.
“Keila has improved tremendously with her hits and serves and will be a big asset to the team,” Allen said.
Carman registered 10 service aces in 2022.
Sophomore Nia Aldana will join Carman in the back row as an outside hitter, seeking continue her form after leading Fort Knox in kills, 18, and digs, 29, last season.
The Eagles’ final key returner, Rachel Irvin, will look to have another solid season as well.
“Rachel Irvin, a senior and our co-captain this year, is a returning athlete that will play in the opposite side position,” Allen said. “Rachel hustles and does her best when on the court.”
In addition to the returnees, Fort Knox also sees a handful of new players who likely will have an impact too.
“We have a new athlete, Beatrice Shirley, who will be playing in the outside hitter position and can also play in the setter position,” Allen said. “Beatrice will be a freshman that comes with volleyball experience and knowledge of the game.”
Other new faces include seniors Kaitlyn Steele and Sara Jones, with Steele set to play middle back and Jones slated for middle blocker.
Confidence is high within the Eagles camp.
“Fort Knox volleyball team is ready for this season and prepared to give it our all and do our best to compete and win games this season,” Allen said. “Our athletes have been working hard as a team to improve on areas that need improvement, whether its offense, defense, serving, communication rotations, hitting, setting, the athletes put in the work. As the coach, I have a lot of confidence in our athletes and know they will do great things on or off the court.”
Fort Knox opens its season at home against the team that ended it last year, North Hardin, with the Eagles hoping to get off on the right foot.
First serve is set for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21.