MC Volleyball Set Apart by More Than Skill

Lady Choctaw volleyball returns to Clinton with home opener on Sept. 19.

Caroline Chastang and Slone Fitzhenry attempting a block. Photo Credit: Blake Weir

Last year, the MC volleyball team went 23-7, falling out in the quarterfinals of their conference tournament. However, Lydia Paulette says they have their sights set even higher this year. Paulette was a member of the First Team All-GSC last year, and she has already been a recipient of the Gulf South Conference Player of the Week award.

The team has been deemed as one to watch after ranking second in the GSC Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll. Only two players graduated from the team, while eight new freshmen were added to the roster, including three who made the GSC Volleyball Newcomers Watch List: Caroline Chastang, Adi Kizer, and Ali Wiggins.

Paulette claims that the team has been preparing on and off the court to be ready for the season. In addition to their workouts, she says they have been reading The Twin Thieves together, which discusses the importance of a team-led team. 

“We’ve had great leaders step up, and I think that’s going to be a game changer this season,” Paulette said.

Caroline Chastang, the 2022 Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year, adds that the team’s connection will set them apart.

 “I think you see a lot of great individual players on different teams, but they just can’t seem to connect the dots,” said Chastang, “I think that is something that we have that is very special. Our chemistry is really good on and off the court.”

On top of the team’s athletic goals, like winning a conference title, Chastang says they have off-the-court goals as well.

 “Our focus is being a good teammate all the time and being able to lean on each for anything, personal or sport related,” Chastang said. 

The game on Tuesday against Auburn Montgomery will be the Choctaws’ first conference matchup.