The 2017 Moody Volleyball season was a season of growth. The previous 2016 season ended on both a high and low. The 2016 Archers squad finished Top 10 in the nation in its conference, winning pivotal games in conferences higher than where they sit. However, when the season ended, the Archers also lost 3 key players. Graduating was 4-year starter and middle blocker Abby (Wychers) Abbatacola (Senior; 6'1"), veteran right-side and middle Ellyn Heegaard (Senior; 6'1") and AVCA All-American middle Rebekah Brandel (Junior, playing eligibility completed; 5'11").
This also presented the Lady Archers with a blessing with a new class of players. From four new Freshman covering multiple positions. The addition of Grace Wise (OH; Ohio), Anna Duehring (DS/L; Wisconsin), Lizzi Landis (OPP; Kansas) and Meghan Dunn (MB; Kansas). This talented Freshman squad help round off some openings for the 2017 season. Joining that class were new students and new full-time additions in Leah Mills (So., MB/OPP; Indiana), Alli Eastham (So., S; Maryland), and Courtney Holliday (Jr., MB; Florida). The addition of these players helped provide a new look to both the offense and defense in a lineup familiar from 2016, but now with new personnel for 2017.
Anchoring the team were Senior leaders and starters Makenna Wiescamp (S; Minnesota) and Alex Hunter (OH; Tennessee). Head Coach Joe Bangit said, "These Seniors were such an indispensable part of the team, that they could not be afforded to come off the court. They brought leadership by example, and with the very difficult schedule we had, we leaned on them a lot to set the tone and pace in each game of the season." Helping round off the veteran roster were Lauren Daniels (DS; Indiana), Kayleigh Krause (OH; Illinois) and 2nd Team All-American Libero Kaylene Obinger (L; Indiana).
"We feel good going into the 2018 season. We will fill the gaps needed as pre-season starts in February and work early to get the entire team on the same page and pace, so that we're ready to go by mid-August. It's going to be great!" -Coach Joe Bangit