The Salem High volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a three-set win at Northside High School Tuesday evening. Salem won 25-22, 25-15 and 27-25 as Kourtney Goens had 15 kills and Jenna Wilkes had 17 assists.
The Spartans have a new coach as Basil Conner moves over one spot on the bench after assisting Doug Eller last year. Basil is a familiar face to area volleyball enthusiasts. He’s been the head coach at Glenvar and he’s coached travel teams for years in the area.
Basil will be assisted by his daughter Bailey, who was a standout player at Glenvar, Eller, who moves to an assistant’s position, former Spartan Moriah Moore and Sarah Beth Walton. Former Salem head coaches David Turk and Russ Danstrum are also helping with the team.
The Spartans return senior six position player Goens, a talented outside hitter. Senior Wilkes is returning after missing two seasons with an injury and Karis Guy is a back row leader at libero. Seniors MarKiya Webb, Macy and Kate Gibson, Gracie Atkinson and Parker Price should make solid contributions as well. Senior Emory Coe will miss the season with an ACL tear and junior Olivia Crosswhite will play the back row.
Newcomers expected to help include junior Evelyn Van Liew, a middle hitter. Other juniors on the varsity are setter Emma Elder, outside hitter Hailey Crotts and back row players McKenzie Holland, Olivia Smith and Elizabeth Keffer. Sophomore Leela Hamden is a right side hitter and freshman Ava Price is a setter.
Salem was 12-8 last year and advanced to the Region 4D playoffs. Conner is hoping to compete for the title in the very tough River Ridge District.
“Our district is tops in the state,” he said. “We hope to win it and make a strong run in regional play.”
The Spartans are back in action tonight with a 5 p.m. varsity only match at Roanoke Catholic.
