2013 Neer Volleyball Teams Ready for Action

The 2013 season is well underway for the Neer Volleyball teams. The team is coming off a runner-up finish in the 8^th Region tourney last year. SK came out of the gates strong last season, went into what could be called a mid-season slump, but got things in gear during the district and regional tournaments to finish strong.

I stopped by practice last night and you can tell there is a hunger in the air this year for the girls to pull off the team’s first regional title in school history. Expectations are high-as they should be. However, winning regional titles takes more than talent; it takes a mindset that starts with tryouts and goes through tournaments. I truly sense this mindset in these girls in just the few moments I hung around practice.

The team is led by three seniors; Kaitlin Murray, Sophie Dunn and Megan Dischar. Murray and Dunn have tons of varsity experience. The duo have a chemistry that should pay big dividends this season with Dunner doing the setting while Murray will likely be one of the kill leaders in the state. Murray played some possessed volleyball during tournament time last season and was the best player in the 8th Region when the games mattered. Look for Dunn to set Murray no matter where she is at on the court. Dischar is a versatile player with a strong serve who may see a variety of positions this season.

The key for the season may be for the experienced senior class to teach the deep junior class how to play with a confidence to win. Juniors Haley Robinson and Ellie Smith are returning varsity starters who both had strong seasons with their club teams and should make a nice contribution to the team again this year. Also look for juniors Kelsey Schmiade, Rachael Figgins, Biz Manser and Carson Elliot to be contributors to SK success this season. SK also got a nice addition in the off season with out of state transfer Amarah Nicholson from Washington state. Amarah is a junior who is expected to give Coach Atwood’s team a nice boost on the front line.

The Neers may very well be the top ranked team in the 8^thonce the KVCA rankings are released soon. It won’t be easy though as defending champion North Oldham will be strong once again as well. The ever tough South Oldham Dragons, who were upset by SK in the Regional last year, will also pose a threat. We’ll get a glimpse of the 2013 edition of the Neer v-ball team this season when SK travels to Lexington August 2-4 for the Bluegrass Games.

Best of Luck Girls!


Seniors Murray, Dunn and Dischar


Glad to see Kiley and Carley with the team after extensive knee surgeries.


Some of the Juniors; Smith, Schmee and Fig. The Junior Class is an extremely deep one for Coach Atwood.


Dunner and Biz practicing their single lutz landing.