Written by Jack Hart | ILSportsWire
The Central A&M Lady Raiders are heading into the 2026 volleyball season with a clear goal: build on last season, strengthen their team chemistry, and establish a winning culture.
Senior leaders Callie Robertson, Kenzie White, and Lanae Hanley each emphasized the same theme when speaking with ILSportsWire — this year’s group is ready to compete and work together.
Robertson, a senior setter and captain, believes this team has something that previous Central A&M teams have been missing.
“We’re all super competitive. We all work together super well,” Robertson said. “In previous years, we haven’t really had all the pieces, but this year I feel like we do.”
As one of the team’s senior leaders, Robertson understands her role extends beyond what happens on the court. She wants to help younger players develop while also allowing them to learn and grow on their own.
White echoed that message, pointing to the importance of bringing the entire roster together and making sure everyone feels like part of the team.
“This year, we’re trying to work as a team,” White said. “We’re just trying to have everyone fit in and just work as a team this season.”
That chemistry has been a major focus for the Lady Raiders. Team dinners, pool parties, group chats, and time together away from the court have helped build relationships throughout the roster. Before matches, the team also keeps things loose with music, dancing, and plenty of energy.
Hanley, another senior leader, said the team is approaching the season with a “next ball, next win” mentality. She also wants to be the kind of upperclassman younger players can rely on.
“When I was a freshman, I was always nervous of our older girls because it’s intimidating,” Hanley said. “So really just trying to be one of the upperclassmen that people can lean on and ask questions without being intimidated.”
Head coach Vanessa Rork believes the Raiders have a talented group with plenty of experience. Several younger players have already stepped into varsity roles, giving the team a strong foundation heading into the season.
Rork has made three core areas a major focus: energy, effort, and attitude.
“Those are the three things that could help us or could deteriorate what we’re doing,” Rork said.
The Raiders are also working on positive self-talk and developing a next-ball mentality. The goal is to learn from mistakes, move forward quickly, and maintain a positive approach throughout each match.
Central A&M knows there will be plenty of challenges ahead. Shelbyville was mentioned repeatedly by the players as a team they are eager to compete against after several close matchups during the summer. Rork also pointed to conference battles against Shelbyville, Clinton, and Warrensburg-Latham as key matches on the schedule.
For the Lady Raiders, though, the biggest objective isn’t simply one opponent. It’s building consistency and creating a culture where they expect to compete every night.
“These girls have what it takes,” Rork said. “They’re great athletes. They’re great kids off and on the floor. It’s just trying to get that to gel together and just build that culture of winning.”
The Central A&M community will also play a major role. Rork encouraged fans from Assumption, Moweaqua, and surrounding communities to come out and support the girls at home matches, participate in team fundraisers, and continue the strong community support the school’s athletic programs have received.
With experienced seniors, emerging young talent, improved communication, and a renewed focus on team chemistry, the Lady Raiders enter 2026 believing they have the pieces to make a significant step forward.
Now, it’s time to put it all together on the court.
