Hoover High School’s varsity volleyball program is entering the 2026 season with a senior class that coach Amanda Wood describes as unusually close‑knit. The six seniors—Abby Tingle, Emory Congleton, Jenna Washington, Lydia Moseley, Ava Shofner, and Natalie Caine—have each taken on new responsibilities on the court, and Wood believes their genuine friendship could give the Bucs an edge.
New positions for seasoned players
Senior Abby Tingle, previously a right‑side hitter, will now rotate through all six positions as an outside hitter, giving the team greater flexibility in attack. Emory Congleton, also a former right‑side player, has moved into the middle, where his height and timing are expected to bolster the front‑court defense. Jenna Washington returns to her familiar libero role, providing stability in the back row. Lydia Moseley continues at outside, while Ava Shofner will split duties as a defensive specialist and setter. Natalie Caine rounds out the senior group, contributing depth across the lineup.
The only senior remaining in the same spot is Brynn Toenes, who will again run the offense from the setter position. Toenes said the seniors feel a responsibility to guide the younger players, making practices more comfortable and encouraging growth.
Team chemistry as an “X‑factor”
During preseason media day, Wood emphasized that the seniors’ mutual respect sets a tone the program has not previously experienced. “This is probably the first group where they all seem to genuinely like each other,” she said. “That chemistry could be the X‑factor we’ve never had.” The coaching staff has built on that bond with team‑building activities, including an annual trip to the Shrimp Festival tournament in Gulf Shores, where the squad stays together and ends the season with a talent show.
Learning from last season
Last year’s regional tournament ended abruptly with a five‑set loss to Hewitt‑Trussville, a defeat Wood says still resonates with the team. She noted that the Bucs struggled with focus and distractions, and that a large portion of the game—about 90 percent—was played “out of system,” meaning the team was not executing the planned strategies. This season, practices will begin with a focus on system play to reduce unforced errors.
Season schedule and outlook
Hoover opens the campaign on August 20 with a tri‑match against Gulf Shores and Homewood, followed by the Juanita Boddie Tournament. The Bucs will host Thompson, Spain Park, and Homewood in a rematch later in the season, and travel to Gardendale, Helena, and Oak Mountain for additional contests. Area matchups against Hewitt‑Trussville, Tuscaloosa County, and Vestavia Hills will determine seeding for the October 15 area tournament.
Successful performance in the area tournament will lead to super‑regional play at the Finley Center from October 21‑23, and the state tournament at the Birmingham CrossPlex from October 28‑30. Wood expects the seniors’ leadership and renewed focus on system play to produce a more energetic and competitive team.
Roster depth
Beyond the senior core, the varsity roster includes Kendall Wilkins, Ciane Moore, Corrie Bennett, Finley Toenes, Makenzie McAlister, Lizeth Galvan, and Rian Kinlaw, providing depth across all positions.
Fans are encouraged to attend the opening matches and support the Bucs as they aim to translate their camaraderie into on‑court success.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
