Prep volleyball is right around the corner. 

Teams all across the state can begin their respective seasons on Aug. 22 — no doubt with an eye on making it to the state tournament in Birmingham later in the fall.

See below for a quick look at each squad in The Times’ coverage area.

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Addison

2023 Record: 42-9

Key Returners: Katie Barrett, Lauryn Cunningham, Mattie Johnson, Ava Bartlett, AnnaBeth Powell

Key Newcomers: Brystil Moser, Brooklyn McCurley

Key Losses: Bailee Ory, Dacey Baker, Hadley Butler

Class 1A, Area 14: Cullman Christian, Meek, St. Bernard

Coach Speak: “This group genuinely loves each other and wants to see the team succeed. Their eagerness to learn and willingness to become better volleyball players is going to make a huge impact for us on the court. They’ve got a lot to prove this year and their goals aren’t small, but they’re sitting on go and ready for the challenge.” — Kaydi Woodard

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Cold Springs

2023 Record: 15-26

Key Returners: Cloe Shelton, Cheyenne Bishop

Key Newcomers: Joci Williams, Hollyn Bruer, Kaydance Williams, Allie Light

Key Losses: Malaya Taylor, Kortnie Williams, Ciara Calvert, Mary Warden, Ella Bruer, Kaley Barger, Ellanora Slusser

Class 2A, Area 11: Falkville, Winston County

Coach Speak: “Although we are young, we’ve got a really promising group this year. They are hungry to know and grow in the game as much as they can, which creates an incredibly competitive and hard-working atmosphere in the gym. I’m very excited to see what this group will do this season.” — Kate Peek

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Cullman Christian

2023 Record: 9-15

Key Returners: Gracie Stidham, Zoe Powell, Rylee Stubbs

Key Newcomers: None

Key Losses: Phoebe Jones, Abbey Jones

Class 1A, Area 14: Addison, Meek, St. Bernard

Coach Speak: “I am so excited about this year’s team. We are a young team that has great potential to do very well. We have been working very hard this summer on skills and growing in our trust together. This is our first year in an area and we are trying to get the girls to understand how big of a deal this is and to get them prepared to compete for this season.” — Cydney Rowell

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Cullman

2023 Record: 30-16

Key Returners: Ava Ray, Karina Harris, Olivia Dover, Livi Smith, Blakely Brannon

Key Newcomers: Addison Johnson, Millie Jenkins, Clementine Hollingsworth, Ainsley Cameron, Lily Nixon

Key Losses: Juliana Brannon, Reese Patterson

Class 6A, Area 13: Jasper, Mortimer Jordan

Coach Speak: “As the new coach at Cullman, I am very excited about our season. I’m anxious to see the identity that we establish for ourselves. This team did have some key losses from last year, but we have a lot of good players back. There are girls that you haven’t heard much from that will make some noise this year. I’m excited for them and their potential. We are ready to play, but we know we have a long way to go. We know there are going to be some growing pains — new coach, new setters, people in new positions — but we are ready for them, ready to learn and draw closer through the struggles, and expect to get where we want to be by October. These girls are hungry and they’re bought in. That’s a great recipe going forward.” — Amy Hudson

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Fairview

2023 Record: 36-13

Key Returners: Karlie English

Key Newcomers: Anna Strane, Tara Evans, Whitney Quick, Kailyn Redding, Anna Harris 

Key Losses: Kabri Redding, Abby McDonald, Laci Segrest, Ava Calvarese, Sadie Smith, Reagan Dunkin, Jacie Blackwood, Somer Harris, Georgia Gorham

Class 5A, Area 14: Arab, Guntersville, Scottsboro

Coach Speak: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference between volleyball success and volleyball failure. What I like about my group is they are willing to work extra. Almost every day they are asking if they can stay over and work on stuff. I love their dedication and willingness to want to get better. They want to be the best of the best.” — Katie Ball

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Good Hope

2023 Record: 33-10

Key Returners: Jolee McHan, Campbell Koch, Carley Adams

Key Newcomers: Caselyn Whatley, Lexi Marshall

Key Losses: Ivey Maddox, Charly Johnson, Emma Bailey

Class 4A, Area 13: Danville, East Lawrence, West Morgan

Coach Speak: “As we head into this season, I’m incredibly excited about the potential this group of girls has. What I love most about this team is their strong work ethic and the way they support each other on and off the court. I’m looking forward to seeing how they grow together and push each other to achieve great things this season.” — Natasha Holder

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Hanceville

2023 Record: 6-25

Key Returners: Kenzie Twilley, Zoe Pitts, Karys Henderson, Eden Clements, Alex Twitty, Aaliyah Twitty, Olivia Stallings

Key Newcomers: Bentley Childers, Jazzlyn Flanigan

Key Losses: Kate Sterling

Class 3A, Area 11: Holly Pond, J.B. Pennington, Locust Fork, Vinemont

Coach Speak: “We’ve spent the summer finding our program’s identity — intention. We do everything with intention — intention to get better, intention to put a ball away, intention to win games, intention to practice hard. I had a meeting with my seniors at the beginning of July. I reminded them that when times are hard to think back to their why, and that will help keep them grounded and their eyes on a goal. These girls have shown me grit and determination, and I cannot wait to see what they do this season.” — Morgan Hammock

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Holly Pond

2023 Record: 26-15

Key Returners: Blakely Baggett, Darla Fredrick

Key Newcomers: Sadie Nail, Bella Foust

Key Losses: Emma Earl, Maycie Black, Kamryn Tankersley

Class 3A, Area 11: Hanceville, J.B. Pennington, Locust Fork, Vinemont

Coach Speak: “I want my girls to improve throughout the year as we adjust to the loss of so many seniors. But most importantly, I want to help my girls develop into godly young women who will impact their school and community.” — Adrien Adams

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St. Bernard

2023 Record: 13-8

Key Returners: Abby McBride, Elle Tillitski

Key Newcomers: Charlee Boykin

Key Losses: Emily Garcia

Class 1A, Area 14: Addison, Cullman Christian, Meek

Coach Speak: “After an unpleasant finish to last year’s season, this young group of girls and its two senior leaders, Abby McBride and Elle Tillitski, have worked tirelessly in the offseason to improve their skills. They are determined to maintain a positive attitude and have pledged to persevere in the face of adversity. This year, these young ladies are dedicated to building their bond as a team and making St. Bernard proud.” — Elicia Fallin

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Vinemont

2023 Record: 8-12

Key Returners: Carley Stephens, Morgan Flanagan, Addison Holcomb, Caroline Miller, Abby Kuykendall

Key Newcomers: Reagan Robinson, Arleigh Thomason, Ava Abernathy

Key Losses: Brooklyn Knott, Jana Harbison, Maggie Burks, Jacie James, Mabry Thompson

Class 3A, Area 11: Hanceville, Holly Pond, J.B. Pennington, Locust Fork

Coach Speak: “We have worked on the installation of a new system — offensively and defensively. We played in numerous competitive matches throughout the summer and we have approached each day with enthusiasm — with the focus of improving our skills and teamwork. Our goal is to do things never done before with Vinemont volleyball.” — Bobby Daniels

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West Point

2023 Record: 17-23

Key Returners: Macie Brown, Laklin Shadix, Charli Aris, Patton Fell

Key Newcomers: Kelsye Will, Bella Thornton

Key Losses: Liberty Shadix

Class 5A, Area 15: Lawrence County, Russellville

Coach Speak: “I am beyond excited to be back in the game that I love with a group of girls that shows up with so much heart, fight and grit. I can’t wait to get this season started.” — Meagan Cagle

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All names provided by area coaches.