AUBURN, Ala. – Depth and more depth. That's all head coach Rick Nold wants to talk about when referring to the Auburn volleyball middle blockers.
"The competition in practice is going to be great in this position," Nold said. "This is probably our most complete group with both experience and talent. We're going to rely on them a lot and they are going to make a big difference in how we play."
The Tigers return three that saw a wealth of time on the court during the 2017 season in juniors Shaina White and Gwyn Jones and sophomore Anna Stevenson. Joining the trio and adding to that depth is senior Bella Thompson and sophomore Shea McNamara.
"Spring was really good for our returning middles," Nold said. "They made a lot of improvements all over the board and took big steps toward their blocking. Overall, this group has put in the time that is really going to help us throughout the season."
White, a Mission Viejo, Calif., product, returns to the squad after an outstanding first season on the Plains in 2017. She finished among the SEC's best in hitting percentage (.367) and came in second on the team in overall kills (276). Her performances throughout the year helped her earn AVCA All-South Region honorable mention honors.
Stevenson hails from Laurens, S.C., and had a solid first year in 2017. She led the team in blocks with 61 and reached a career high in the category at South Carolina with eight.
Jones, from Greenville, Ind., has been a mainstay in the Auburn lineup since her freshman season. The 6-3 hitter has primarily spent most of her time on the right side, while also adding depth at the middle in certain rotations.
Joining the five returners in sophomore Chesney McClellan, who transferred to the Plains after a year at Nebraska. Standing at 6-4, the Maryville, Tenn., product will bring a solid blocking presence to the front for the Auburn defense all season.
Overall, the 2018 group of middle blockers brings both size and experience to the court and will be one to watch all season.