Young but tested team is ready to take on a tough region
By DRUW GIAMALVA, Sports Editor
After speaking at the 2026 Sand Mountain Volleyball Media Day, it is clear that excitement is in the air for the Sardis Lady Lions volleyball team which is led by head coach Leslie Gilmer.
The AHSAA realignment in the offseason would see the Lady Lions move down to Class 4A, Area 16, where they will compete with Cherokee County, Crossville, Guntersville and Scottsboro in a five-team region. According to Gilmer, area play will be a main focus for her squad.
“We have two seniors this year and a majority of our team is returning from last season,” said Gilmer. “We are just mentally and physically focused on area. It is a five-team area so that is going to be something different for us. We got the 4A and the 5A state champions in our area also so that is just a mental aspect to see what we can do with that.”
Gilmer’s biggest goal for this upcoming season is for her players to be in a good mental state and to always compete at their best.
“My goal for this team is to be in a better mental state,” Gilmer said. “We mentally have to get over losing a player like Vada Willmore. She was a big part of the team last season. We have a lot of hitters and we have two setters so there is a lot that we are doing different this year. I just want them to have fun and not be so hard on themselves.
“We just want to be competitive in everything we do. We have a really tough area so if we can compete and push through that, I will be excited.”
Excitement for the season is easy to notice for the Lady Lions as the players have been working extremely hard to prepare for the upcoming season.
“There is a lot of self-motivation because before we even started getting into volleyball and practice, they were already asking if we could do this or that,” Gilmer said. “They’ll be at the gym even when I am not there. One thing I have enjoyed with the last couple of playdates is how well they work together and how they encourage each other.”
Sardis’ two seniors for the upcoming season include Addison Bayne and Malee Ellis.
“A personal goal for me this season is all mental,” Ellis said. “I don’t want to stay in my head all of the time. I want to win and just grow as a team.”
“I want to work on my mental state and not have to worry about everything,” Bayne said. “We want to go as far as we can and just work at our hardest.”
The Lady Lions will open up the season on Aug. 20 as they travel to Ashville for a doubleheader against the Bulldogs and the West End Patriots.
Representing Sardis at the 2026 Media Day were, from left, players Ansley Wallace, Malee Ellis and Addison Bayne, along with their coach, Leslie Gilmer. The Lions begin their season Aug. 20 at Ashville. Photo by DRUW GIAMALVA l The Leader
