MEEKER | A new season means new opportunities for the Meeker High School volleyball team. After graduating several longtime starters, the Cowboys enter the 2025 campaign with a senior class ready to lead, rising underclassmen eager to contribute, and a coach who believes this group just might surprise people.
After losing several key starters from last year, the Cowboys are still filling critical roles including outside hitter, middle hitter, setter and libero.
“We lost a lot last year. Three of those kids started for three seasons,” Cravens said. “We need to find some kids to fill an outside hitter, middle hitter, setter and libero position. After these first few practices we have some potential, and after a few matches of experience, we feel pretty good about where we are at.”
Returning starters Rylee Sullivan, Lily Newman and Sawyer May provide experience and leadership, while Jacey Follman steps into the starting setter role and Braydin Raley takes over as libero.
“Rylee is an outside hitter who has great responsibility in serve receive and our offense, so we will be leaning on her a lot this season,” Cravens said. “Braydin will do great replacing one of the best liberos I have coached. She will be the one running all over the gym chasing down volleyballs.”
Sullivan said she is embracing that responsibility as she heads into her senior season. “I think a big part of my mindset is going to be driven by the limited time that I have,” she said. “It is sad that it is going to be the last time, but so incredibly grateful that I get to play one more year. The responsibility is stressful for sure, but I will be embracing all of it and trying to keep the team rolling.”
This year’s senior class includes Follman, Morgan Keetch, Newman, Raley, Shailee Rundberg, Lissabeth Sanchez and Sullivan, who have already set a strong tone.
“I have appreciated over the years how the incoming seniors always step up and make the program theirs,” Cravens said. “I am just along for the ride, and they are the ones driving the team.”
One senior expected to make an impact is Rundberg, who was the Cowboys’ OH3 last season. Cravens said she finished last year strong and has impressed again this summer.
“This summer we have moved her around and she shines in several positions,” Cravens said. “It will be exciting to see all the ways we use her this year.”
Rundberg said the adjustments have challenged her but also helped her grow.
“It’s definitely been an adjustment, however I have faith that my coaches know what’s best for me and what will push me the hardest,” Rundberg said. “I enjoy being a ‘do-it-all’ player because it helps me improve in every single area rather than just focusing on one spot and not knowing how to do the rest.”
Several younger players, including Keelan Dade, Lili Hernandez and Raegan Clatterbaugh, are also expected to contribute early.
“The girls work well with each other, even with all the new faces,” Cravens said.
The Cowboys open Friday, Aug. 22, against Pagosa Springs and Glenwood Springs, with Saturday’s matches including Roaring Fork — whom Meeker beat 2-1 in last year’s tournament — and a yet-to-be-determined team.
“This early in the season we are concentrating on us more than the other teams,” Cravens said. “We tell the kids all the other teams are good, and we need to be at our best.”
Cravens said he has circled several league matchups on the calendar.
“Vail Christian will always be a good matchup for us,” he said. “Vail Mountain had some good young kids last year and Rangely always brings it when they play us.”
The Glenwood Springs tournament provides Meeker an early chance to test itself against bigger schools and top competition. Cravens also highlighted the addition of Rebekah Cravens, Michelle Selle and Krissie Luce to his staff this season.
“I needed to get Coach Turner and Coach Steerman some help trying to keep me in line,” Cravens joked. “I always love having input from others on players and concepts. The three of them have been a great addition.”
Describing this year’s team in one word, Cravens said: “Surprise. I think we will surprise some folks this year. We have a lot of work in front of us, but I don’t think we will be as bad as others may think.”
He added that the most exciting part of opening weekend is seeing his team challenged right away.
“The best part of high school volleyball is that we line up the best kids that walk into our gym against the best of the other schools,” Cravens said. “We need to be at our best right away.”
This season marks Cravens’ ninth year at Meeker, 27th coaching high school volleyball, and 30th overall season coaching volleyball, a career highlighted by developing strong teams and resilient athletes.
As the Cowboys head into opening weekend, the focus remains on growth and teamwork. With veteran leadership, versatile talent, and a drive to prove themselves, Meeker is determined to make this season one to remember.
