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Jackson VB Preview: New leadership, same old powerhouse Indians
Eight starters are gone, including four current college players, but this season’s blend of experience and youth could prove to be the start of yet another legendary Jackson Indians run.
“Our theme this year is ‘seize the moment’ and a spin-off of that is ‘it’s our time,’” Jackson head coach David Mirly said. “So many of our players this year didn’t get an opportunity to play last year, and they are all very good. Most could have been all-conference on other teams. They are thrilled and excited that this is their opportunity to play.”
The returning production offers a strong foundation to the Jackson lineup. Katy St. John leads the charge and is one of the top outside hitters in the state. A soon-to-be four-year starter, the SEMO commit was a 2023 All-District 1 selection and is already Jackson’s all-time leader in kills.
Ava Wessell, who tallied more than 160 points in 2023, returns to the back line and, according to Mirly, “had to grow up really fast” last season after being a “sophomore setter on a senior-dominant team.” A trio of seniors in Katy Wondel, Amery Winston, and Lynn-Avery Crowley provide veteran leadership and are primed for career years as well.
Of the incoming freshmen, both Lauren Dorey and Avery Brune have impressed all preseason and represent the new wave of Jackson girls' volleyball talent. Kat Elefson and Lyla Sands had terrific summer camps and are ready to move up the depth chart and emerge as potential first-year starters, too.
Perhaps the biggest key is getting those new starters acclimated to the high school playing environment.
“The speed of the game can be very fast,” Mirly said. “The pressure of playing in front of your friends and peers. The crowd is huge at high school games, especially varsity. It can be very nerve-racking and challenging in your first year.”
This is certainly a team that will be better in October based on the difficult early-season stretch. The Indians will benefit from a rugged September schedule – one that includes four quality out-of-state opponents, a visit from 2023 Class 4 state champion Incarnate Word Academy, and its annual tussle with rival Notre Dame.
“One senior said in a preseason meeting, ‘Coach, I know we lost a lot of seniors and starters from last year and they were really good, and our goal last year was to go to the Final Four,’” Mirly said. “She looked at me and she said, ‘You just make sure that’s the same goal for this group this year. Don’t lower your expectations for us.’ That’s awesome.”
And that’s where those expectations come into play. Jackson has rattled off five straight district titles and won 26 or more games each season in Mirly’s tenure. Last year, the Indians coasted to the Class 5 state tournament before bowing out against back-to-back state champion Lafayette (Wildwood) in the quarterfinals. This success sets a formidable standard for the current Jackson players to live up to.
“If you’re going to be a part of the Jackson volleyball program, you are going to be a part of something much bigger than yourself,” Mirly said. “The players have really bought into that, and they are unselfish and very team-oriented.”
If Jackson fans are excited, they should be. This should once again be a very solid bunch for one of the most consistent high school girls' volleyball programs in the area. Expect this team to contend for a sixth-consecutive district championship and make another run in the state tournament.
Jackson
Head coach: David Mirly (8th season at Jackson, 20th overall)
Assistant coaches: Kenna Davis (varsity assistant), Sara Henry (JV coach), Jessica Sostillio (freshman coach)
2023-24 results: 29-7-3, District 1 champions, MSHSAA Class 5 state quarterfinalists
Key losses: Nine seniors (eight starters) – Nadia Wasilewski (Wichita State), Holland Guilliams(SEMO), Ella Domian (Maryville), and Grace Newell (John A. Logan College)
Key returners: Katy St. John (Sr.), Ava Wessell (Jr.), Katy Wondel (Sr.), Amery Winston (Sr.), Lynn-Avery Crowley (Sr.)
Breakout candidates: Lyla Sands (Jr.), Kat Elefson (Jr.), Allie Aufdenberg (Sr.), Halle Ponder (Sr.), Madison Uelsmann (Sr.), Jayde Cowart (Jr.), Whitney Goodwin (Jr.), Lillie Morningstar (Jr.)
Top newcomers: Lauren Dorey (Fr.), Avery Brune (Fr.)
Season opener: Tri-match vs Carterville and Pinckneyville in Carterville, Illinois, Sept. 4
Match to watch: vs Notre Dame, Sept. 19