Future looks bright for Lady Bobcats

The Berryville Lady Bobcats are less than two weeks away from the start of the 2023 volleyball season, and veteran coach Kristin Whetham said she’s already enjoying this year’s squad.

Eleven of the Lady Bobcats’ 16 players are sophomores.

“Last year we won our side of the conference and then got second in our conference tournament as ninth-graders,” Whetham said. “So I think the future for these girls is bright as long as they stick together. And they’re just a fun group of girls. When they’re in the gym, the atmosphere is just a great atmosphere. They want to be there. It makes my job easier as a coach.”

Depth won’t be an issue for the Lady Bobcats, Whetham said.

“I told them this the other day,” she said. “I’ve got 16 players. I said ‘all 16 of you can play varsity for me right now. There’s an eighth of an inch difference between my top player and my bottom player. So your playing time is going to depend on your attitude and your effort.’ ” Individually, Whetham had praise for junior Taelor Tomlinson, who missed last season with a knee injury but is fully recovered.

“She has really impressed me,” Whetham said. “I thought she would come back in and be really rusty as a setter but she really hasn’t. She’s put a lot of time and effort into it. We went to team camp the other day and I was extremely proud of her.”

Senior Kylie Campbell also drew praise from Whetham.

“She has pushed herself a little more this year and she has really. really come along and really impressed me,” Whetham said.

Among the sophomores who could see significant playing time are Paige Thurman and Tessa Johnson. Kaylyn Smith, who started for the high school basketball team as a freshman last season, is out with a hand injury but Whetham said she back around Sept. 1. Another sophomore, Haliegh Keith, is improving quickly and has a bright future, Whetham said.

Berryville will open the 2023 season on Aug. 21 at Harrison before hosting Springdale on Aug. 22.