The Clay Panthers volleyball program at Clay High School has a storied history, marked by competitiveness and tradition. Since its inception as a sponsored sport, the program has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including eight conference titles, 25 sectional championships, and five district championships since 1978. Notably, the Panthers made history in 2018 by becoming the first volleyball team in Scioto County to reach the OHSAA State Final Four.
This year, the 2026 group of Lady Panthers appears poised to match or even surpass the achievements of that historic team. After finishing last season with a commendable 16-8 record, the current squad has burst out of the gate with a strong 6-1 start. All six victories have come in straight sets, with the only setback being a four-set loss to the formidable Eastern Pike on August 25.
Head coach Keith Cottle, now in his third season, has transformed the program since taking over in 2024, when the team struggled with a 6-17 record. Under his leadership, the Panthers have steadily improved, achieving a 12-12 record in 2025 and now showcasing a promising start to the current season. "I have a really, really great mix of experienced players with a lot of varsity time, as well as younger players who play club and are very fiery," Cottle remarked, highlighting the blend of talent that has contributed to their successful start.
The offensive strategy for the Lady Panthers has been significantly bolstered by the standout performances of junior players Elin Shaw and Alayna Shepherd. Shaw leads the team with 76 kills, 90 service receptions, and boasts a .325 attack percentage, while Shepherd follows closely with 62 kills and an attack percentage of .245. Both players, standing at 6-0, have proven to be indispensable assets on the court. Cottle praised their dedication, stating, "They are two of the most dedicated, hardest-working student-athletes that I have ever coached." Their leadership styles complement each other, with Shaw leading by example and Shepherd taking on a more vocal role.
Adding to the team’s depth is senior setter Addie Willis, who has established herself as a key player for the Lady Panthers. With impressive stats including 1,205 assists, 664 digs, and 306 kills over her career, Willis has already made a significant impact this season, leading the team in assists, digs, and aces. Cottle noted that Willis has embraced her role as a setter, a position she was encouraged to take on early in her high school career. "She’s just someone who is a very reliable player that can do anything," he said.
The infusion of talent from freshmen like Izzy Hannan, Keira Hicks, and Elly Rider has also energized the team. Hannan has made an immediate impact with 22 kills and 12 aces, while Hicks is expected to take on primary setting duties in the future. Rider, serving as the libero, has excelled defensively with a team-high 56 digs. Cottle emphasized the importance of these young players, stating, "They’re just really, really fun players. When you watch them, they make plays that are very difficult for freshmen to make. I don’t think they realize how good they can be."
The Panthers' 6-1 start is their best since the 2018 season, when they embarked on a remarkable journey to the state semifinals. Cottle believes that the team's preparation and focus on their strengths have been key to their success so far. "The girls are definitely really, really prepared," he said, emphasizing the importance of a solid game plan.
As the season progresses, Cottle remains cautious about setting expectations too high, preferring to focus on continuous improvement. With the start of conference play approaching, he is optimistic that the team's strong beginning will carry them through the competitive landscape of the SOC I. "We’re just taking it day-by-day and getting a little better each day so that we can make a great tournament run," Cottle concluded, looking forward to what lies ahead for the Lady Panthers.
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