ALTUS BULLDOGS

Coach: ROBERT GARRISON

24-14

Last year was kind to Altus High’s volleyball team, but head coach Robert Garrison isn’t satisfied with winning records. “We did great last season and surprised a number of people throughout the state,” Garrison said. “We went from three wins in 2022 to 24 last season. We bring back just about everyone from that squad (only lost one senior). We will have a couple of holes to fill, but we have girls more than capable to replace any spot that is open. We are still a very young team with a majority of the team being sophomores. The 2024 season will be a challenge for us as we added some very tough competition to the schedule.”

Ask any hitter, you know Garrison said, “who is responsible for their success, and they will say ‘the setter.’” Olivia Williams (So.) is considered not only the team’s top returning player, but one of the best setters “on this side of the state,” Garrison said. “Everywhere we go, coaches talk to me about her. Olivia is a great example of an athlete that works on her craft. We ran a different offense last year that really pushed her and she ran it perfectly. Our hitters trust her and that tells you everything you need to know. They know that wherever that first pass goes, Olivia will track it down and get them a set, and she is very free in her sets. She will set both outsides and the middle in the same volley. She spreads the ball around and our hitters love it. I’ve coached her since she was a seventh-grader and she only gets better each year.” Garrison expects hitter Evyn Bull (So.) to be a “breakout player” this season. “[Bull] has grown since last year and has been just pounding the ball at open gyms,” Garrison said. Evyn will be counted on to also play the back row when needed.” Jordyn Huckins (So.) can play in several spots and is always prepared to provide whatever the Bulldogs need — and with no complaints. “Jordyn just goes about her business on the court. She excels as a hitter and back row girl on the team. She plays agenda-free,” Garrison said. “Her only concern is ‘what’s best for the team?’”