Last season was cut short after a loss against the University of Central Arkansas, leaving Lady Lions 11-18 overall and 8-8 for conference.

The Lady Lions look toward the upcoming volleyball season this fall, being led by Head Coach Jim Smoot, who has been with Southeastern for over two years. New additions to the team hope to bring strength and intensity to the court. 

This past season, the Lady Lions started off at home with a post-season scrimmage, shortly followed by the first game of the regular season against the University of Alabama. Throughout the season, the team made a continuous cycle of wins and losses. They ended the season in the first round of the Southland Conference Volleyball Tournament with a loss against the University of Central Arkansas, two-time defending tournament champions, finishing the season 11-18 overall and 8-8 for the conference. 

Reflecting on the season, Smoot felt the team did well despite their finishing record. 

“Our overall win-loss record was not where we wanted it to be, but overall, the team met most of our expectations,” said Smoot. “Making the conference tournament was the most important.”

Smoot wants to see repetition from last season and new improvements present in this season to come. 

“I want us to carry over the attitude shown during our spring tournaments, that being an attitude of expecting to win,” said Smoot. “I really enjoy working with this group of players and I am looking forward to seeing them improve to the point of competing for the Southland Conference title.” 

Smoot also wants to see “continued improvement in skill, conditioning and team play, which will allow us to meet that expectation of winning.”

Five new players, three freshmen and two juniors, will join the team for this new season. Freshmen Monica Ramon from San Antonio, Texas, and Macey Stock from Baton Rouge, Louisiana will compete for the libero, defensive specialist, position according to coach Smoot. Freshman Haley Baker from Baltimore, Maryland will contend for the setting position. Juniors Sara Ulm and Madeline Odom, a Kingwood, Texas native, will play as outside hitters. 

“She [Madeline] transferred from a JC in January and made an immediate impact on our squad with her steady play as a six rotation player,” said Smoot. “She will make us a much more consistent team.” 

As for the returning players alongside new players, Smoot has great expectations. 

“We expect all of them to be significant contributors,” said Smoot. “We have a very strong group of returners and the competition for playing time will be intense.”

For more information on the Lady Lions’ volleyball team, visit lionsports.net.