08/07/2026
🖤 We are excited for the 2026 Season! 💛
Inside the Locker Room: DeKalb County Tigerettes Building a Foundation One Season at a Time
By Scott McCrary, Tri-Star Sports Network
Presented by D&R Hunting Supplies Donald Richards
When Kayla Johnson accepted the challenge of launching volleyball at DeKalb County High School, she knew immediate success wouldn’t be measured by championships. It would be measured by growth, culture, and laying the foundation for a program that could someday compete with the Upper Cumberland’s volleyball powers.
Now entering just the third season in school history, Johnson believes the Tigerettes are beginning to turn the corner.
“We’re excited,” Johnson said. “Most of this varsity group has now been together for two or three years. We didn’t lose anybody from last year’s varsity team, so we’re finally seeing things start to click.”
That continuity has brought something every young program desperately needs—confidence.
Experience Begins to Pay Off
Unlike many established programs throughout the Upper Cumberland, DeKalb County still doesn’t have a feeder system introducing players to volleyball before high school.
Many of Johnson’s athletes first touched a volleyball only after arriving on campus.
Despite that challenge, the Tigerettes continue making impressive strides.
The roster features one senior, four juniors who helped launch the program, seven sophomores entering their second varsity season, and an eager freshman class learning the game from the ground up.
Johnson has also implemented a new 6-2 offensive system, utilizing two setters to keep three hitters at the net.
“Our girls have great chemistry,” Johnson said. “They’re friends on and off the court, and that makes a huge difference.”
Junior Class Leading the Charge
Several returning players have taken major steps forward this offseason.
Outside hitters Sophie Adcock and Jordyn Agee have become much more dynamic attackers, showing improved technique and confidence swinging from the outside.
“Our hitters are finally learning how to get around the ball and hit down,” Johnson said. “That’s something we’ve worked really hard on.”
Running the offense will be junior Mary Elizabeth Vaughn and sophomore Hailey Moore, who have embraced the responsibilities of the Tigerettes’ new two-setter system.
Johnson says Vaughn has been one of the biggest offseason success stories.
“Mary Elizabeth played club volleyball during the offseason and came back a completely different player. Her confidence, her setting, her serving—everything has improved tremendously.”
Middle blockers Camille Barton and Kaylee Womack have also grown into much more confident front-row players after gaining valuable experience last season.
Defense Will Be the Tigerettes’ Identity
Johnson knows DeKalb County may not match some district opponents in size or offensive firepower just yet.
Instead, the Tigerettes plan to win with hustle.
“I think our identity is going to be defense,” Johnson explained. “Our girls are gritty. They’re going to dive, they’re going to chase every ball, and they’re going to fight for every point.”
The defensive backbone begins with senior Rylee Wilbur, along with juniors Sophie Adcock and Jordyn Agee.
Those three not only anchor the back row but also provide leadership and energy throughout every match.
Leadership Comes in Different Forms
Every successful team has multiple voices.
For DeKalb County, Johnson says each leader brings something unique.
Jordyn Agee supplies the emotional spark, constantly energizing teammates.
Sophie Adcock helps keep communication flowing throughout matches.
Meanwhile, Rylee Wilbur leads quietly.
“When Rylee speaks,” Johnson said, “everybody stops and listens.”
Wilbur’s volleyball IQ and calm leadership have made her the unquestioned floor general for the Tigerettes.
Newcomer to Watch
While the veteran group carries high expectations, Johnson believes freshman Ofelia Mata could quickly become a fan favorite.
A former soccer player, Ofelia made the transition to volleyball this summer.
“I am so excited for Ofelia,” Johnson said. “Her hustle and attitude are incredible, and I think people are really going to enjoy watching her develop.”
Improving Every Day
Johnson believes the Tigerettes made their biggest improvements this offseason in three key areas:
* Hitting
* Serve receive
* Vertical explosiveness
The team has also invested significant time in strength training to improve jumping ability and offensive efficiency.
Still, Johnson knows the biggest hurdle remains experience.
“We just need more reps. We’ve got to continue improving our blocking and learning through live competition.”
Learning from the Best
Competing in one of the Upper Cumberland’s toughest volleyball districts leaves little room for error.
The Tigerettes face perennial powers including Upperman, Livingston Academy, Stone Memorial, Cumberland County, and Watertown.
Rather than shy away from the challenge, Johnson embraces it.
“Our district just keeps getting stronger,” she said. “Those coaches have been tremendous mentors to me, and our girls know every night they’re going to have to compete.”
Chemistry Beyond Volleyball
Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism isn’t found in the stat sheet.
It’s found in the locker room.
Johnson describes her team as one big family.
Whether it’s spontaneous team dinners after practice or showing up wearing matching “granny” moo-moos just to make everyone laugh, the Tigerettes genuinely enjoy being together.
“They’re a bunch of goofballs,” Johnson laughed. “But they love each other, and they always have each other’s backs.”
That chemistry has translated directly onto the court.
Eye-Opening Summer
The Tigerettes recently competed at the highly competitive Eagleville team camp against numerous state tournament-caliber programs.
Although they entered as underdogs, Johnson left encouraged.
Even more meaningful were compliments from opposing district coaches.
“They asked me who all was new on varsity,” Johnson said. “I told them it was the same group we had last year. They couldn’t believe how much we’d improved.”
For Johnson, that validation confirmed months of hard work are beginning to pay off.
Defining Success
Wins are important.
But for a third-year program, Johnson sees success through a different lens.
“Our goal is to be a better volleyball team in October than we are in August,” she said. “We want every player to leave this program stronger than they found it.”
That philosophy continues driving every practice.
Quick Hits with Coach Johnson
Best Server: Mary Elizabeth Vaughn
Best Hitters: Sophie Adcock & Jordyn Agee
Best Passer: Rylee Wilbur
Highest Volleyball IQ: Rylee Wilbur
Funniest Varsity Player: Camille Barton
Funniest JV Player: Ella Taylor
Future Coach: Rylee Wilbur
One Word to Describe the 2026 Tigerettes: Gritty
TSSN Outlook
The wins may not always come easily in one of Tennessee’s deepest volleyball districts, but don’t mistake DeKalb County for the same young program opponents saw a year ago.
With nearly every contributor returning, improved confidence, stronger chemistry, and a clear defensive identity, the Tigerettes are beginning to establish exactly what Coach Kayla Johnson envisioned three years ago—a program built on effort, toughness, and continual improvement.
The foundation has been poured.
Now, DeKalb County is ready to keep building.
