Myrtle Volleyball

Photo courtesy of Brooke Gordon 2022 Myrtle Lady Hawks Volleyball: Front row left - Mallory Davis, Cora Beth Kelly, Harleigh Herring, Kierstyn Shoops, Brooklyn Streich, Lauryn Smithey, Mallory McDonald. Back row left - Courtney Page, Elly Gaines, Mollie Moody, Emma Poteet, Emma Mayer, Dream Carnell, Anna Goodson, Winter Willard, Emma Speck, Montana Nichols. Not Pictured - Genna Wages, Breanna Lewis, Lexi Senn.

dunnam BacK on tHe Hardwood For myrtle

Olivia Dunnam got in some playing days back at New Albany when she was a multi-sport student athlete there and she will assume the head coaching duties at Myrtle with the retirement of Robert Gordon as coach.

Dunnam is pleased with what she has seen over the summer from her new team and shared the work ethic the Lady Hawks have exhibited.

“We have a good group this year ranging from young beginning seventh graders to seniors that have been playing the last few seasons,” Dunnam said. “Our girls don’t come in worried about age or experience; they come in willing to work together and really push one another to give their best and to get better.”

Dunnam will have key leadership from a couple of experienced juniors on and off the court this fall.

“Keirstyn Shoops and Emma Beth Mayer are two juniors that are always ready to come in and lead the team, work hard, and encourage their teammates to give their best effort,” Dunnam said.

Dunnam shared what she considers to be key strengths and possible weaknesses of her team, but hopes to build a cohesive unit for play in Division 2-2A play with rivals Pine Grove, Potts Camp and Walnut.

“The girls have been working extremely hard this summer,” she said. “They have been in the weight room getting stronger and getting physically ready for the court.

“The past few days they have come in ready to run drills and pinpoint fundamental skills that will hopefully make a big difference in how they play.”

Myrtle won their first round matchup in the 2A volleyball playoffs against Choctaw County, but were eliminated in the second round by a powerful Belmont team that eventually won the 2A state championship.

Dunnam shared her thoughts on the X-Factor for the Lady Hawks in 2022.

“Our team has to remember that it takes everyone to play their part in order to be successful. The players seem to have a great relationship with one another which allows them to communicate well, work hard, and encourage each other on and off the court. I believe if they remember that we will have a successful season ahead.”