SWCC loading up on southwest Iowa talent

With its first match action nearing, the Southwestern Community College Spartans volleyball team looks to showcase a more distinct local flavor in 2017.

Most notable were additions Kelcie Shields and Sadie Frost of Mount Ayr. The Raiderette program has been no stranger to success over the last three seasons.

Pulling in such recruits creates excitement around the program.

“I’m really excited about the direction we’re going. I think we’ve got a good group from this area,” SWCC volleyball coach Aleesha Cleaver said.

Shields, who committed to Northern Iowa as a walk-on, decided to come back closer to home to attend and play for SWCC volleyball.

“Her height is huge, but just her power, she puts so much power behind her hits that people just can’t react,” Cleaver said. “It’s just really hard to defend. It’s really nice to have her on our side.”

Shields and Frost were members of Mount Ayr squads that went 55-12 the last two seasons.

Sophomores Sydney Maynes and Taylor Damewood are two of three sophomores to return to the team this fall. Both are natives of Corning and both will be expected to be leaders for what should be an improved club.

Damewood posted 488 assists and Maynes, the 6-3 sophomore, was a steady front row presence for the Spartans when healthy, (she suffered through Mononucleosis for much of the season).

“They’re definitely going to be our core. Our sophomores are going to be huge for us,” Cleaver said.

“We went to probably three games last year,” Southwest Valley volleyball coach Lindsay Wetzel said. “That was great to watch her last year. Taylor was setting and Sydney was out every time we went with mono.”

Wetzel, who coached both Corning athletes when they were in high school played for SWCC herself.

“When I played for SWCC, it was all local kids too,” Wetzel said. “There was kids from Lenox and Mount Ayr, and East Union and Indianola. It was good to see the locals staying close.”

Another such athlete, Jacy Stoaks from Lenox, brings her athleticism as a middle hitter to the program.

The incoming young core of Frost, Shields and Stoaks provides SWCC with better depth than last year’s 6-27 squad.

“It’s amazing. I think we got three of the best athletes in the area and for them to come to the area for volleyball for me is amazing,” Cleaver said.

Look for the steady mix of Illinois recruits from around Cleaver’s home and Southwest Iowa players to lead SWCC into 2017.

Editor’s note: Look for a full team preview in an upcoming edition of the News Advertiser., as well as previews for Spartans Cross Country and Golf.