Skippers Volleyball 2020-21 Team Preview
The Skippers Volleyball team is itching to get back in the gym this winter and pick up where they left off last year. It has been over a year since the team has had competition, and with several key returners, and strong newcomers, Coach Michelle McCulloch is looking to have a stellar second season as head coach.
Returning for the Skippers are Maria Bussone, Kristyana Hamblin and Sarah Steen. All three players saw court-time in the fall of 2019.
Bussone, a six rotation outside hitter, earned herself All-League honors and a slot on the MCCAA All-Freshman Team. She is a strong force at the net, on defense and at the service line.
Hamblin began the season setting and then transferred into a much-needed defensive specialist and serving specialist slot that kept the Skippers going during the District Tournament. This season she has stepped into the role of setter and will be a strong player on the service line.
Steen, the team's libero, led the Skippers on defense and serve receive. She continues to drive the team's defense and keeps the game alive.
Newcomers this season are Allie Foucher, Joeleen Gaffney, Miranda Gonyeau, Lydia Goold, Devyn Gordon, Olivia Jovanovich, and Quinn Peterson.
Foucher and Jovanovich both come from St. Clair High School and are strong players. Foucher, an opposite/middle blocker, is a force at the net with her blocking game. As someone who can also play middle, she is fast and versatile on offense. Jovanovich can play on either pin, and is a strong part of the serve receive rotation for the Skippers. Her shots offensively are smart and often score.
Gaffney and Goold come together from Marysville High School and are a great duo. Last fall they became back-to-back District Champions. Gaffney is a setter for the Skippers, and will be a strong force on defense, offense and on the service line. Goold is a pin hitter, who had to sit out from practices this fall due to injury. Coach McCulloch is hopeful she will be back soon and contributing on the court as a smart and effective attacker.
Gonyeau is a defensive specialist from Algonac High School and brings a fire to every practice. She works well with others and is a key part of the Skippers defense.
Gordon is a transfer from Michigan State's Rowing program, but was a standout high school volleyball player at Croswell-Lexington High School. She brings depth and leadership to the group and is terminal as a middle blocker. Gordon has a chance to be top in the league as a blocker and will be crucial to help the Skippers defense.
Coming from North Branch High School, Peterson is a six-rotation pin hitter who is a force at the net, both on offense and defense. She can play either pin and is key on serve receive.
Coach McCulloch is looking forward to the season and says, "Even through the many challenges of 2020, this team continues to look forward to competing. As a whole, they are a very competitive group and don't like to lose. They have a great chemistry on and off the court and work for each other each day. We have a nice balance of experience and new talent and we're ready to start playing and growing."
Follow along with the Skippers Volleyball team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information on how to join the team, message the athletic department or contact Coach McCulloch.
