The Mount Vernon Mountaineers enter the volleyball season with major pieces to replace but an accomplished group of returners ready to keep the program competing at a high level. Head coach Bridgett Schmutz must replace All-State outside hitter Camryn Cornell and All-Conference libero Averee Swillum, two significant departures. Still, Mount Vernon returns several starters, including a three-time All-State player, a three-year starting middle, a three-year varsity letterwinner and a returning setter. Finding the right combination will be the early priority, but the foundation is in place.
Ziah Schmutz is the centerpiece of that returning foundation. A three-time All-State selection and AVCA All-Region choice, Schmutz has surpassed 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career assists. She is on pace to break the career kill record held by Missouri State volleyball player Laynie Dake. Her individual accomplishments also include the single-game school record of 31 kills against Nevada and seven aces against Saxony Lutheran in a Final Four match, which ranks second in the MSHSAA record book for aces in a Final Four contest.
Beyond the numbers, Schmutz is a high-IQ player who competes at the highest level in everything she does. She has high standards for herself, extensive experience in competitive situations and a will to win that is second to none. Her versatility and leadership will be central as Mount Vernon identifies its new on-court combinations.
The Mountaineers also return three-year starting middle Savannah Dampf, three-year varsity letterwinner Claire Hale and second setter Ruth Fish. Those players give the team additional familiarity and allow the program to work from a base of established varsity experience.
Elli Eddington is positioned to make a major impact after missing 99 percent of her freshman volleyball season because of injury. Her lone appearance came in the state championship game, and she followed it with a breakout summer. Eddington was healthy during basketball season, earned All-Conference honors as a freshman and starts at third base for the softball team. With Eddington’s return and the Mountaineers’ veteran core, Mount Vernon has the experience and competitive mentality to pursue a strong season while building a new lineup around its returning talent.
To nominate an athlete, student, or coach please email [email protected]
