Laningham is set to coach
Bragging
Bobby Woodruff

So many exciting things are starting for Bullard High School at this time. One program bringing a great deal of excitment is the high school volleyball team. The reigning District Champions return to defend their crown and members. Coaches and fans couldn't be more eager to get started.

Taking the helm as the head coach this year is Ms. Kalya Laningham.

Coach Laningham comes to Bullard from the University of Tyler Volleyball Program.

She is a graduate of Oak Wood High School in Palestine. She was a four-year member of the volleyball team and the most valuable member of the district.

Following High School Laningham attended Jr. College in Lancaster were she played volleyball for two years.

Her team made it to the National Championships both years and Kayla was voted to the All Tournament team at the National Championships.

Laningham then returned to The University of Texas to continue her volleyball participation.

Here she won district awards and the American Southwestern Conference Award.

In 2005 Laningham graduated from the University and was given the opportunity to be assistant coach and complete her Masters degree in Political Science.

Teaching and coaching were two areas that Laningham was interested in; when she applied and was hired as the new volleyball coach at Bullard High School she knew that she was at the right place.

It was easy to take the job because of the program that was already in place.

There are some outstanding players who returned this year including, Calli Miller, who is a fine hitter and plays a good defense.

"When other people heard that I was going to Bullard they all told me that I would have a good group of players," Coach Laningham said, "I have found the players to be open minded, work hard and listen to the other coaches Nancy Dixon and Coach Rooney."

Laningham said Coach Carla Gay at the Middle School has sent some outstanding freshmen players to work with and they want to continue to build for the future by teaching good volleyball skills and the basics of becoming a better player.

Whitney Lust returns as an All District setter, also Allison Burton is expected to contribute to the success of the team. Sophomore team members move up to the varsity level and that is exciting news for Coach Laningham because she will be able to work with them for a few more years. Emily Long is another young lady who has impressed the coaches with her work.

There are other players who have impressed the coaches at this time and will be counted on to help the team be successful this year. Valarie Roberts will be one of those ladies along with possible help from a freshmen player, Ms. Covalt,

Coach Lanignham is really looking forward to working with the players and parents in the district to continue the winning that last year brought to Bullard High School.