The Lindbergh Flyers volleyball program faces a season of transition, but also opportunity.
After graduating nine seniors from a 19–12 squad in 2024, six of whom are now continuing their athletic careers in college, head coach Atom Zuniga knows his team has a new look, but one still filled with potential.
“Our girls were busy in the offseason with club volleyball, open gyms, and a group of us went to Mizzou for a team camp in July,” Zuniga said. “Our focus has been working to be more consistent in all areas and finding ways to be more terminal on offense.”
That summer preparation paid off in more ways than one. The Flyers added a familiar face to the coaching staff in Baillie Kearns, a 2020 Lindbergh graduate who went on to play Division I volleyball at UT Martin. She now returns as the program’s new freshmen head coach.
Despite heavy losses to graduation, Lindbergh brings back several experienced players. Marlee Steiner (Jr., MH) returns after a stellar sophomore season and a summer training stint with the USA U19 National Team as an alternate. Steiner has consistently trained within USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program and is ranked among the top 10 middle hitters nationally in her class.
Also returning are Lily Bertarelli (Jr.) and Gillian Pfeiffer (So.), the latter of whom started as a true freshman and has also trained within USA Volleyball’s pipeline.
Several seniors are ready to step into leadership roles.
Lucille Dineen (S) will be one-half of the Flyers’ 6-2 offense, and Mia Vogler (OH) brings a veteran presence to the outside. Libby Joy (OH) is expected to provide consistency on the attack for the Flyers, Ella Seidel (OH) adds depth and experience at hitter and Kirsten Gororo (DS) anchors the defense and services received.
Zuniga will rely on a strong sophomore class to contribute early. Mia Fleming (OH) and Delaney McRae (MH) are expected to make an impact in their first varsity season, while Lydia Eller (S) and Katey Watson (OH) add depth. Freshman Julie Jenkerson (DS) has already proven she can compete at the varsity level.
Zuniga believes Fleming, in particular, could be a breakout star.
“She has made major improvements and has become a legitimate offensive threat,” he said. “Her mild manners starkly contrast with her aggressive play, but she will make a difference on the court.”
With so much new talent, position battles will be a constant theme this year. After two years of running a 5-1 offense with Lily Breed, the Flyers are shifting to a 6-2 system.
“Our lineup will likely look different throughout the season, because our talent gap in many positions is very minimal. It’s a good problem to have,” Zuniga said.
The Flyers’ goals remain ambitious.
“We would like to compete for a district title, and as always, we’re working towards the coveted 20-win season,” Zuniga said.
For Zuniga and his squad, success is about growth.
“We are far more focused on our process than the outcomes,” the Lindbergh coach said. “If we can do a good job training, watching film, and making adjustments, we will put ourselves in a good position to achieve our desired outcome.”
With Steiner and Pfeiffer leading the charge, a senior group ready to step in, and a talented wave of underclassmen, the Flyers may be reloading, but they’re doing it with power, depth, and lofty expectations.