Season Preview: Volleyball
Lady Indians return nearly entire starting lineup amid high expectations
Just three years removed from a state championship, the Tallulah Falls volleyball team has that DNA still in the roster along with the expectations to get back. The Lady Indians have been a consistent postseason player, making the state tournament now 10 seasons in a row from 2015-24, with eight 20-win seasons, two area titles (2022-23), and five area/region runner-up finishes.
The roster is flooded with talent, both veterans and newcomers to the Lady Indians. Leading that group is senior All-State selection Becca Heyl, the lone player left from the state championship team in 2022 who tallied a team-high 255 kills and 293 digs last fall. Fellow All-State senior Margalida Amengual Sanchez (457 assists, 257 digs, 87 aces) is back, as well as All-Region selection and sophomore Corinne Swinton (team-high 39 blocks).
Senior Laura Ruiz Rendon (285 digs, 124 kills, 43 aces) who coach Matt Heyl calls one of the best passers in TFS history, will run the defense. Now a sophomore, star server Shelby Whisnant had a breakout season last year with 121 kills and 107 aces (4th-most in a single-season). Lily Smith is a rising star as a senior, and rounds out the returning cast. The newcomers including junior Sofia Livianos (Spain), freshman Tori Crotta, and sophomore Stella Bowman.
"Sofia will be one of the most powerful players TFS has ever seen," exclaims Heyl. "To make us deeper and more well-rounded are Tori and Stella."
Tallulah Falls went 26-16 last season in its first year as part of GIAA, advancing to the Elite 8 and being the Region Runner-Up. Heyl, who has 186 wins as he closes in on number 200, does not hold back on what could be in store for 2025.
"To start out the season, our strength will be our offense once the hitters become reacquainted with setter Margalida," he adds. "This should be the strongest offensive team in TFS history, with four powerhouse hitters on the floor at all times and very likely the best team in TFS history. We have a lot of growing and bonding to do to make this happen. If everyone can develop a team-first mentality, great things will happen. The goal and hope is to be one of the top-4 teams in the state and win our region. If we get there, anything can happen."
The Lady Indians open the season on August 9 at Loganville Christian in a tournament. The home-opener is slated for August 12 against Rabun Gap.
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PROGRAM HISTORY/RECORDS
