Women's Volleyball | 11/5/2025 8:43:00 AM
The Clinton High School Volleyball team had a season characterized by growth and promise under first-year Head Volleyball Coach Natalie Duvall.
Duvall and her coaching staff of Megan Smith and Morgan Ray celebrated the accomplishments of their varsity and junior-varsity teams at the program's end of the season banquet.
DuVall, who took the helm of the program back in the spring semester, guided her team through a season focused on the development of skills and establishment of a competitive culture. Sunday's celebration focused more on the intangibles rather than statistical achievements.
"We recognized the team for their growth and player success," DuVall said. "Overall, it takes everyone contributing to be successful, and each player has shown growth no matter the stats."
Though the intangibles outweighed the stats during the 2025 season, the Lady Arrows posted major statistical accomplishments across 19 varsity matches.
Jayla Hicks, a sophomore libero, anchored the defense with 183 digs, earning her the varsity team's Defensive Award.
Zaley Madkin powered the Lady Arrows' attacking efforts with 261 kills. Senior Madison Harris, who was noted for her service-line consistency, and Madkin, who provided serving accuracy, shared the honors of the Aces Award.
At the net, sophomore
Taylor Finley posted 63 blocks, taking home the team's Blocking Award.
Sophomore Aubrey Joiner earned the Sportsmanship Award for her flexibility, leadership, and willingness to play multiple roles, while making multiple contributions as a blocker at the net.
MADKIN EARNS REGION AND ALL-STAR HONORS
Madkin, a junior outside hitter, capped off an impressive season with major postseason recognition, earning spots on MHSAA Region 2-7A All-Region team and the 2026 Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) North All-Star team.
"Zaley has been a great asset for our team this season not only with her work ethic and skills but also with her tenacity and character," DuVall said. "Zaley is a disciplined player with high volleyball IQ and some of her strengths were reading the court and placing the ball in open spots while being versatile with mixing up her offensive swings. Non-tangibility, she uplifts others and has persevered through adversity with a positive attitude."
Madkin was one of 12 players selected for the Region 2-7A team, which was released on October 28. She will represent the Lady Arrows on the North All-Star squad in the 2026 MAC All-Star Game on July 8, 2026, in Brandon.
JV PROGRAM SHOWS BRIGHT FUTURE
The Lady Arrow junior varsity team celebrated standout performers. These athletes included:
BUILDING A FOUNDATION
With a year of valuable experience under its belt, the Lady Arrows are eager to continue growing under DuVall's leadership. This first season laid the foundation for a competitive future.
"There's so much to be proud of," DuVall said. "We're building something special, and every player contributed to that progress."
The Lady Arrows move into the offseason with a renewed energy and focus, looking to build toward the 2026 season.
