Written by Jack Hart
The Clinton Maroons volleyball program is heading into the 2026 season with a large group of athletes, plenty of returning experience and a competitive mindset that head coach Morgan Hickman believes can help the team take another step forward.
With nine of the team’s 11 varsity players returning from last season, Clinton brings back a strong core while also welcoming new faces, including two foreign exchange students and a group of freshmen.
“We have a very large group of athletes, which is great,” Hickman said. “We are just not very tall, which is the story of Clinton volleyball, unfortunately. So we are hustlers, defenders, and that has created a very competitive practice so far.”
One of the team’s key returning players is senior libero Paisley Schick. Schick is entering the season with an important individual milestone within reach, as Hickman says she is on pace to reach 1,000 career digs.
Schick has also been focused on strengthening her defensive game, particularly reading hitters and improving her serve receive.
“I’ve been working a lot on my defense this past year,” Schick said. “This season I really want to improve on my defense and reading the hits and the hitter’s shoulders.”
Another important piece of the Clinton lineup will be setter Karlie Bless. Hickman is looking forward to using Bless in a 6-2 offensive system, where the left-handed hitter will also have opportunities to attack from the right side.
Bless is hoping to become more consistent with her sets and placement while continuing to improve as a blocker.
“I would just kind of like to get more consistency with my sets and where I place the ball,” Bless said. “And some blocking. I really need to work on that.”
As a team, Bless says one of the biggest goals is competing for a conference championship. Clinton has finished third in previous seasons, and moving higher in the standings is a goal for this year’s group.
For Hickman, the team’s defensive identity will be critical. Clinton’s lack of height means the Maroons have emphasized jumping ability, agility and teaching their defenders how to read opposing hitters.
“We focus a lot on our jumping,” Hickman said. “We’re really teaching our defenders, our back row players, how to read the block when there’s maybe an opening or our blocker didn’t get out there.”
The Maroons will also welcome two foreign exchange students into the program this season, something new for Clinton volleyball. Hickman said the team has worked to make sure the new players feel welcomed and included as they adjust to a new school and volleyball program.
With a competitive roster and plenty of returning players, Clinton believes it has the experience to make noise this fall.
The rivalry with Warrensburg-Latham is also one to watch. Schick identified the matchup as one the team talks about regularly, while Hickman admitted that beating Warrensburg is high on her personal list after not yet defeating them as a head coach.
“I’ve never beaten Warrensburg, so that’s always on my list,” Hickman said.
Another goal for the Maroons will come at their own Clinton Tournament, where Hickman wants her team to compete for a top-three finish.
Ultimately, though, the Clinton program is asking for one thing from its community: show up.
Both Schick and Bless emphasized the importance of fans coming to games and supporting the team, while Hickman said simply filling the stands can make a difference.
“Just filling the stands and showing the girls that volleyball is a fun sport and that it’s supportive,” Hickman said.
With Schick anchoring the defense, Bless helping run the offense and Hickman leading a deep, competitive group, the Clinton Maroons are ready to get the 2026 season underway.
