Roebuck – When you talk about the Dorman High School volleyball program, the discussion doesn’t really begin until the state playoffs roll around. That’s what happens when you’ve won 14 state championships under head coach Paula Kirkland, who has been in charge of the program for over four decades.
Kirkland believes the current edition of the Cavaliers has the ability to make another serious run in the AAAAA state playoffs.
“We feel like we have the team to be in the mix once playoffs begin,” said Kirkland, whose team reached the upper state championship match last season after winning the 2021 state crown. “So far, we are off to a great start. Our goal every year is to try to do all we can to play well enough to advance to the title game. Why not us?”
Dorman is 28-7 and owns a 6-0 mark in Region 2. The Cavaliers have a veteran unit led by senior Carly O’Brien.
She is a 4-year starter, having been named all-region her first three years and All-State last season. She has a team high 383 kills, averaging 4.7 a set. She had 321 digs.
“Carly is only about 5-(feet-)9(- inches) but can jump out of the gym,” Kirkland said.
Senior outside hitter Ryleigh Willard and senior middle hitter Sarah Mitchell are 2-year starters as is junior Kayla O’Brien. Kayla is the libero this year after being the defensive specialist last season.
Sophomore Ramsey Larke Chastain is the setter, senior Katie Camp and sophomore Reese Shugart are outside hitters and junior Sophia Warren is both a defensive specialist and outside hitter. All four are in their first seasons as regulars.
“Our strength is our ability to finish,” Kirkland said. “We have the hitters on the pins and in the middle that are more than capable of making plays. We're not too big, but we play big.
“Although Ramsey is just a sophomore, she runs the offense like a seasoned pro,” Kirkland added. Chastain had 709 assists, an average of 9.1 per set.
The rest of the team includes senior Jessie Adkins, senior Mackenzie Martin, junior Hannah Ryan, junior Leah Farley, senior Dani Perry, junior Lizzie Nelson, junior Josie Cotuna, junior Emory Sullivan and sophomore Meg Rosseau.
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