After rebuilding and regrouping from last year, the Gentry High School Pioneers volleyball team is setting its sights on a breakthrough year as they kick off a new season with renewed confidence and the skills necessary to be successful.
The Pioneers hit the road tonight to take on Huntsville in their season opener, bringing with them more than just a fresh lineup — they’re carrying momentum, optimism, and a newfound belief that this year can be different.
Coming off a winless season in 2024, the transformation in the team’s culture has been unmistakable. Practices and scrimmages have been marked by focus, intensity, and fun — a balance that is essential to building a winning program.
Varsity Team: Experience and Emerging Talent
Leading the way for the Pioneers are five seniors who bring both leadership and skill to the court. Setters Addy McGhee and Raley Dilbeck are the engines of the offense, while Ingrid Perez holds down the back row as the team’s dependable libero. At the net, hitter Alexis Lopez adds power and athleticism, and serve specialist Hailey Bond-Strickland provides a steady presence from the service line.
They’ve been through the tough seasons, and they’re determined to make this one count,.
The seniors are backed by a talented supporting cast, including junior middle blockers Temperance Goodhue and Delilah Chamra, who bring height and blocking strength to the front line. Sophomore Kylie Smith, already known as one of the hardest hitters in the program, is expected to be a breakout player this year.
Junior Varsity: The Future Looks Bright
Behind the varsity squad is a deep and motivated junior varsity team that’s showing the same commitment and chemistry fueling the varsity turnaround. The JV roster features juniors Peyton Insco, Alyssa Montoya, and Ismarlin Giron, along with sophomores Jade DeZurick, Emily Rabb, Trinity Jacks, Madison Polina, Maci Cunningham, Khloe Rock, Angelica Killebrew, and Marissa Coones.
They’re providing a spark in practice -- learning, developing, and pushing each other every day. The future of this program is in good hands.
A New Era Begins
With the combination of senior leadership, rising talent, and a deep bench, the Gentry Pioneers are entering the 2025 season with something they haven’t had in a while — a real sense of belief.
Assisted by coaches Thomas Bruce and Shawn Teters, the coaching staff has been just as focused on building a strong, supportive culture as they have on wins and losses.
Tonight marks the first step in proving that — and this year, the Pioneers are ready to take it.