Holtville volleyball programs are showing signs of continued growth under second-year head coach Holley, with an emphasis on teamwork, culture and turning individual talent into a stronger overall program.
The Holtville High School volleyball program is building momentum, and for Coach Rachel Holley, the progress goes far beyond the scoreboard.
Now in her second year coaching the HHS varsity and junior varsity teams, Holley has focused on strengthening the culture surrounding Holtville volleyball and helping a talented group of athletes learn how to play together as one unit.
That process began before her first season when Holley took the varsity team to a high-level volleyball camp in Foley. The experience gave the players an opportunity to compete against strong competition while placing an emphasis on team building, communication and developing chemistry on the court.
The talent was already there. Holley’s focus has been helping those players combine their individual abilities into a cohesive team.
That work is beginning to show in competition.
Holtville earned an important area victory last week against Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, marking a major step forward for the program. Prior to that victory, Holtville’s most recent area win came during the 2023 season against Tallassee.
The Lady Dawgs have already defeated Tallassee again this season, adding to the signs that the program is continuing to move in the right direction.
The success is also extending beyond the varsity level. Holtville’s middle school volleyball team remains undefeated so far this season, providing another encouraging sign for the future of the program. With younger athletes already finding success, the Lady Dawgs are building depth and momentum across multiple age groups.
Holtville will have another opportunity to build on that momentum this week with two important matches. The Lady Dawgs are scheduled to face Booker T. Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 8, before taking on Marbury on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Several players have played important roles for Holtville this season.
Hailey Phelps and Anna Lawrence have contributed at middle blocker, while Gracie Ratliff has been an impact player at outside hitter.
Defensively, Baxie Goff and Madi Hall have helped anchor the Lady Dawgs as defensive specialists.
Running the offense from the setter position are Kyla Aplin and Madeline Hall, who have helped connect Holtville’s offense and create opportunities for the team’s hitters.
With experienced players, developing chemistry, a renewed sense of confidence following an area victory and an undefeated middle school team helping strengthen the future of the program, Holtville volleyball enters an important stretch of the season with an opportunity to continue building something larger than individual wins.
For Holley and the Lady Dawgs, the goal remains centered on creating a program where talented athletes trust one another, compete together and establish a winning culture that can continue for seasons to come.
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