Lisa Gettys is coach for an Ionia team which last season had an overall record 21-10-4, League 6-4, and finished 3rd in CAAC White.
A key graduate is All League Setter, Tori Wolcott graduated and has been picked up by the GRCC Raiders. Tori put up 2,081 assists in the 2018 season that were attacked, 649 of them ended in a kill. She also has tough serves (scoring 59 aces), was great defensively (with 192 digs and 23 blocks) and was an offensive threat on the net, scoring 108 kills.
Coach Gettys:
Ionia will be strong at the net with 4 key returning senior hitters. Sid Casillas and Anna Brown, both with previous league awards, are returning and hungry for a title to finish out their HS career. Casillas will remain in the Middle, at only 5-8, her vertical towers over most opponents. A 4-year varsity player, Brown will be hitting outside this year along with senior Myah Barna, both with strong hits and serves. Senior Abby Christensen, also with a great swing and much experience will play right this year.
Senior Taylor Kirby who was voted MVP last year for her ability to play in any position will be wearing the Libero shirt this year.
|
Sidney Casillas |
5’8 |
12 |
MB |
All League -3rd year on Varsity |
|
Anna Brown |
5’8 |
12 |
OH |
4th Year A Varsity—All League HM 3 years |
|
Myah Barna |
5’9 |
12 |
OH |
|
|
Abby Christensen |
5’4 |
12 |
OPP |
|
|
Taylor Kirby |
5’8 |
12 |
L |
2018 MVP |
We also have some exciting newcomers to the squad. Sophomore Setter Kassi Casillas may be young, but she is a very strong setter and also has great defensive skills and serves. Sophomore Danicka Fyan will be the second MB and is a threat at the net. Sophomores Paige Castillo, Grace Marie Martinez and junior Makayla Castle are all strong Defensive Specialists
“Since taking over as Varsity Coach in 2016, we have been working hard to improve our win/loss record each year. This year, we believe, is the year that we have the ability to bring home a title. These girls are ready for the challenge. The team is cohesive, works well together and has great communication. If we keep focused in EVERY match, we will be a force.
“We have several young players on the team, but they are strong. Every player needs to be confident and play hard for every point regardless of the score.” Your conference: How strong is it and who would you consider the league favorites? Where do you see your team fitting into the league race? A league title!!! It’s been 4 decades, we are hungry for a plaque on that gym wall. Lansing Catholic has dominated the CAAC White and we hope this is our year to defeat them. Portland is a strong contender and our school rival; it is often a mental game and we need prevail. Charlotte and Eaton Rapids can compete well and can sneak ahead if you are not paying attention. That’s the focus part, regardless of our opponent we need to be at the top of our game at all times if we want to be successful. I feel that this is the strongest team of ladies that I have coached yet for Ionia High School.”
She addedThe Lady Dawgs also have achieved academic success, earning Academic All State- Team in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons.