The Shelbyville Rams volleyball program enters the 2026 season with a new group of players stepping into bigger roles, but the expectations remain high.
After graduating seven seniors from last year’s team, head coach Lindsay Krumreich knows there will be plenty of adjustments. Still, she has been impressed with the way her younger players have stepped up throughout the preseason.
“It’s going to be a really exciting year,” Krumreich said, noting the improvement she has seen from the underclassmen.
Leading the way for the Rams is a talented senior group featuring Avery Bland, Ava Corley, and Brielle Ko.
Corley returns as a key piece at setter after running a 5-1 offense as a junior. This season, Krumreich expects to utilize her in both 5-1 and 6-2 formations depending on the opponent and how matches develop.
Bland is also taking on an expanded leadership role. After spending much of her career as a middle, she has shown the ability to contribute in multiple areas of the court. Krumreich says Bland’s strong passing has opened the door for her to play on the outside and attack from different positions.
Ko is another versatile piece for Shelbyville. After playing on the right side earlier in her career, she will move back to the middle this season.
That versatility could become one of the Rams’ biggest strengths.
“We have a lot of girls that can play a lot of positions,” Krumreich said. “It’s going to depend on who you’re next to and what position you play.”
The Rams have spent the early portion of preseason working on conditioning, getting touches on the ball and building chemistry. With several players capable of playing multiple positions, Krumreich plans to use the remaining time before the season to experiment with different lineups and find the combinations that work best.
Shelbyville will also face a competitive CIC Conference schedule. Warrensburg-Latham remains a team the Rams expect to battle with, while Krumreich believes Central A&M has made significant improvements as well.
“We always talk about leaving a legacy here at Shelbyville,” Krumreich said. “Everyone is coming for you. Everyone’s going for your throat all the time. You can’t ever let up.”
For the senior trio, this season carries plenty of meaning.
Bland, Corley and Ko have spent years playing together, and they understand the importance of helping the younger players adjust to the high school game while continuing to build on the program’s success.
Now, with a new season ahead, the Rams are focused on continuing that tradition.
And Krumreich has one simple message for the Shelbyville community: show up.
With new bleachers, a new season and a team eager to compete, the Rams are hoping the community will pack the gym, bring the energy and support a group that has worked hard to prepare for the fall.
The next chapter of Shelbyville volleyball is ready to begin.
