The Lady Raiders are contending for a state title again. All the pieces are in place. Senior leadership is present with four of the seniors on the 2011 Lady Raider volleyball team having been a part of the 2009 team that won the state championship two years ago. Pre-season speculations that the loss of last year’s seniors would make for a weak year for the Lady Raiders were soon disproven.

“We were chosen not to be good this year,” senior middle blocker Macy Ramsey said. “We came out and proved to [the doubters] that we weren’t the underdogs and we were capable of carrying on Randall’s tradition.”

The team is currently ranked No. 2 in the state and with a district record of 14-0, hold great promise for a state championship this year. Leadership has never been a weak link for the Lady Raiders, but senior defensive specialist Madalyn Pepper said she has evolved since her sophomore Varsity debut.

 “[The seniors] have to have a positive attitude in tough situations,” Pepper said. “There used to always be someone to rely on, but now we have to rely on ourselves and others must rely on us.”

Coach Jason Culpepper said he could not single out a leader because each member of the team contributes equally.

“They’ve all done a good job becoming good leaders,” Culpepper said. “If one of them has a bad day another one steps up.”

Culpepper’s enthusiastic coaching style is evident at games in which the team is thriving—not to mention the close calls, during which time he appears to be hard on the team.

“We’re never perfect,” middle blocker Katie Dudding said. “He’s what pushes us through the year because he knows we’re capable of being the best.”

Ramsey said Culpepper additionally has a passion for his job, sometimes opting to play with them during practice.

“Not only does he push us, but he enjoys volleyball,” Ramsey adds. “He can get pumped up and be lighthearted too.”

A lot of things make or break a state-bound team, but the unanimous agreement was that the legacy of this year’s team will be in their relationships.

“We have the most heart,” Pepper said simply.

Ramsey said this closeness transfers onto the court as well, which has become strong for the team.

“A strong point is our relationships,” Ramsey said. “We don’t fight on the court and we don’t stress each other out.”

Even in the game, the team works well together, Culpepper said.

“The girls are great friends on and off the court,” Culpepper said. “They play harder for each other.”

Dudding said this contributes to the teamwork factor.

 “Literally, the reason we all stay is because we love each other,” Dudding said. “Even through the hard times we’re all there for the team.”