PCA’s Mantra for 2024 is “Why Not Us”

By Neill Kirkpatrick

Special to the HSSR

Mt. Pleasant – The Palmetto Christian Academy Lady Eagles had the most successful season in their short history as they made the SCISA AAA state semi finals for the first time, in fact, their only loses in the state tournament were to the two state AAA finalist runner up Florence Christian and State champion First Presbyterian Academy at Shannon Forest.

Despite moving up to AAAA expectations are high as the Lady Eagles return their entire roster including three Lady Eagles who played in the SCISA AAA all-star game.

“This is our first year being moved up to SCISA 4A. We have a great team with young and experienced talent. I have told the team from the beginning of the season, "Why not us" Why not us to win Region and why not us to win State. The best team does not win, the team that plays the best does. And that is what this team continues to do,” said head coach Shelly Kaiser.

Coach Continued, “We have depth this year offensively and defensively and I am excited to see what God will do through this team. Our verse of the year is Proverbs 16:3 "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

The Eagles currently sit at 20-8-4 after beating Pinewood Prep three sets to none. They are also 5-0 in region play and has they head down the stretch they can wrap up a region championship securing one of the top seeds in the upcoming SCISA AAAA volleyball tournament.

Leading the way for coach Kaiser are four seniors in Cokey Suddeth, Ava Bowen, Hannah Delaney, and Bria Olson. Cokey and Bowe are in the starting lineup while Delaney and Olson provide valuable minutes off the bench.

Cokey is a senior captain and a middle and outside hitter. She is a three-time All-region selection and was SCISA AAA All-State last season. As a junior she was named the region player of the year while getting her 1000th career kill. She is also one of the top senior basketball players in the state.

Bowen is also a captain and is the teams emotional leader. Coach says she provided great energy on the court.

Juniors Chloe Guyan and Reed Jones are returning All-Region as well. Guyan is the teams libero and provides the team with leadership, with her offense at the service line and her defense with her serve receive and defensive play while Jones (Middle and outside Hitter) is strong at the net, plays great defense and is one of teams top servers.

Sophomore Adelaide Suddeth is also one the best players at the net. She was named All-Region as a freshmen.

Two freshmen that have made an impact are Banks Jenkins and Coco Kucaba. They have added depth on both sides of the court. Jenkins is the teams setter and gets them in their offensive sets while Kucaba is second on the team in kills and blocks.

Juniors Saylor Sorensen, and Alyssa Carper round out the Lady Eagles roster. They also add depth to the Lady Eagles lineup.

“I am grateful to get to coach this amazing group of girls. Each week this season the team is seeing for themselves for what a GREAT team they truly are and are believing what I have always known they were. Coupled with love for the game and each other, they are having fun,” said coach Kaiser