The Tharptown Wildcats didn’t have the season they wanted last year, but Coach Kamri Fleming said she expects this year’s team to be much better because of their experience.

“I will be returning my entire starting lineup this season,” explained Fleming. “We have been really young the last two years, and it definitely showed at times. We expect to improve our win/loss record. The Wildcats finished the 2023 season with a 6-32 record. The girls have been working really hard at practice and on their own.”

Karrah Nichols and Angie Chavez will be returning as outside hitters. Alyssa Fischer will be the setter. Leslie Perez and Alyssa Dalrymple will be back to help defensively. Carly Cason will be returning as starting middle. Malia McCullar moved from the right side to the middle.

The Wildcats added three more players to their roster — Ashton Tharp, who will help out on back row; Leonela Vela Jaquez will replace Malia on the right side and Charlie Sue Montgomery will be helping with setting duties and as a pin.

“The biggest challenge our team faces and has faced each year is the mental part of the game and consistency,” Fleming added.

Tharptown is in Class 2A and competes in an area with Mars Hill, Red Bay and Belgreen.