Decatur Unity Christian School Volleyball Season Preview

Decatur Unity Christian Volleyball Prepares for Another Competitive Season

Offseason Focus: Balance and Club Play

Decatur Unity Christian takes a relaxed approach to the offseason, encouraging players to enjoy family time and participate in other sports. However, six of the varsity starters remain committed to volleyball year-round by playing on competitive club teams to maintain and enhance their skills.

Summer Camps and Team Bonding

The team has an exciting summer ahead with plans to attend a team camp at the University of Illinois, Millikin University Tournament, and local round-robin events in Mt. Zion and Maroa. Returning to the U of I camp, where the girls had great fun last year, provides an excellent opportunity for team bonding and skill development.

Roster Updates and Coaching Staff

Unity returns seven varsity players after graduating two seniors. They will adjust the lineup, particularly replacing their libero and one outside hitter. Coaching continuity is strong with JV coach ClaraAnn Keane and hopes to retain elementary and junior high coaches Brianna Austin and Katelyn Wednt. New to the staff is Taylor Jones, a former Unity player and recent Millikin University graduate.

Players to Watch

Key returning starters include:

Mallory Harrison: Full rotation outside hitter, Macon County Player of the Year, and unanimous first-team all-conference. Mallory competes on the national traveling team Illini Elite.

Cameron Brown: Outside and right-side hitter, also first-team all-conference, who trains with Mallory on Illini Elite’s international team.

Sadie Reiterman: Setter and opposite hitter who recorded over 100 aces last season and plays with Springfield’s competitive travel team, Shock.

Abby Jones: Setter and opposite hitter working hard with a personal trainer alongside club play at Illini United.

Laila Turner: Outside hitter and opposite, also competing nationally with Illini Elite.

Other contributors returning to varsity include Ava Saurmann and Brielle Bunch. Promising newcomers expected to see varsity time are Rory Hamilton, Ellie Hesse, and Kennedy Warner.

Strength and Conditioning

The volleyball team benefits from the school’s APT conditioning program, specially designed by the football coach to suit volleyball’s physical demands.

Coaching Philosophy and Preparation

Coach Rhonda Glidewell focuses on understanding the emotional and mental aspects of the game in addition to skills and drills. She draws knowledge from volleyball literature, local trainer Mike Swingle, and the University of Illinois coaching program to continuously improve her coaching strategies.

Community Engagement Through Camps

Unity players and coaches host a volleyball camp every May for third to eighth graders, teaching the philosophy that coaching helps improve playing. This camp strengthens connections between the school, players, and the wider community.

Looking Ahead: Challenging Goals

After an impressive 35-3 record last year, the team’s goal this season is to move beyond watching playoffs to competing at the state level. Unity focuses on taking one game at a time while fueling their collective ambition with contagious energy and dedication both on and off the court.