ROCKINGHAM — A wealth of returning experience is the foundation the Richmond Senior High School volleyball team is using as a springboard for the 2025 season.
Unlike last fall, which saw an intense rebuilding of the program, the Lady Raiders enter the new slate with renewed confidence and a relentless pursuit to keep growing.
Now inside of a week from its first regular season match, Richmond will take part in a statewide shift in classifications and conferences. After the North Carolina High School Athletic Association's latest redistricting, Richmond will compete in the 7A classification.
Like the rest of the school’s athletic teams, the Lady Raiders will participate in the Mid-South Conference, a split conference of 8A and 7A teams.
Joining Richmond as 7A programs are Jack Britt, Overhills and Pine Forest high schools. Familiar opponents Hoke County and Pinecrest high schools, which shared the former Sandhills Athletic Conference with Richmond, are 8A.
The Lady Raiders have been busy all summer in preparation for the new campaign, which included a three-day camp at Tusculum University in July.
Tightening the team’s bond, Larsen said the momentum created during that experience has paid dividends and has carried over into the Lady Raiders’ performance on the court.
Following a 7-15 overall record in 2024 and a sixth-place finish in the former SAC standings, Richmond is eyeing another return to the state playoffs this while doing some damage in the MSC standings.
With 12 players on this year’s roster, eight of them return with varsity playing experience from a season ago.
Headlining the team’s senior players are Carleigh Gibson (defensive specialist/right side hitter), J’Nasia Neal (outside hitter) and Ka’mora Watkins (outside hitter).
The bulk of the team is made up of returning junior players — Madisen Jackson (middle hitter/outside hitter), Kalynn McCormick (defensive specialist), Riley McDonald (middle hitter), Kayla Parsons (right side hitter) and Kenley Smith (libero).
Taking over the team’s role as setter is junior Lillian Hill, who made her varsity debut during Richmond’s playoff match at Green Level High School last year.
Hill will play in her first full varsity season and will fill the void left by former All-Conference player Ava Edmondson, who was a four-year starter.
The team’s three newcomers are juniors Ava Edwards (defensive specialist) and Kaylee Dunn (middle hitter), and sophomore Kaylee Connor (right side hitter).
Along with Edmondson, Smith was the team’s only other All-Conference selection last season. A defensive staple, she enters the season ranked fourth amongst 7A players in digs from last season (300).
Neal, a hard-hitting weapon who had a breakout junior season, along with Jackson, a three-year starter and a bully at the net, have been named the Lady Raiders’ captains this season.
McDonald, who provides length and power at the net, will also be back on the court for her third season. She returns as Richmond’s leader in kills (3.8 per set), hitting percentage (23.5%) and total blocks (44).
Watkins, who missed most of her junior season due to injury, will look to contribute more for Richmond’s attack. Parsons is also expected to play a larger role from the right side this fall.
Gibson and McCormick will add depth beside Smith on the team’s back row, which could see a revolving door of players on defense.
The Lady Raiders will try to start the season with a victory when they host non-conference Lee County High School Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6:15 p.m.
Richmond will play its second match of the season Thursday, Aug. 14, at non-conference Purnell Swett High School (6 p.m.).
SEASON SCHEDULE: Click here for an always up-to-date schedule for the Richmond volleyball team.
The Richmond Observer will continue its award-winning coverage of the varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams this fall.
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