Coming off a dominant, undefeated season that ended in a heartbreaking championship loss, the Riverdale Baptist Varsity Girls Volleyball team enters the 2025 offseason with a renewed hunger, strategic focus, and a drive to finish the job.
Offseason Focus: Discipline, Aggression, and Purpose
This offseason, the team’s central focus is discipline, both on and off the court. Head Coach Amanda Lloyd and her squad are drilling down on serve receive and offensive aggression, with a renewed push for intentional scoring and smart ball placement. “After last season’s outcome, we know exactly where we need to grow,” says Coach Lloyd. “Discipline and purpose will define us this year.”
Gearing Up with Summer League Play
While not currently enrolled in outside camps, Riverdale Baptist plans to stay sharp through Summer League participation and a series of preseason games and tournaments. These matches will offer valuable reps, team-building opportunities, and a platform for rising players to step up before the regular season kicks off.
Roster Changes: Big Shoes to Fill
The team will bid farewell to two cornerstone players—Jade Rios (Setter) and Damani Myers (Middle Hitter)—both graduating seniors who will continue their volleyball journeys at the collegiate level. Their leadership and production will be sorely missed.
On the sidelines, the team adds a familiar face in a new role: Coach Zaria Edmonds will join as Varsity Head Assistant Coach. Previously the JV Head Coach, Edmonds brings energy and familiarity that players are excited to welcome.
Players to Watch: Rising Stars and Breakout Potential
Averi Hanna (MH) – A 6-rotation junior and one of the area’s top D1 recruits, Averi is a force at the net and continues to grow into her leadership role.
Ladae Clarke (RS/OH) – A senior transfer from Suitland High School, Ladae adds firepower and reliability in pressure moments, while also contributing as a blocker.
Zoe Byrd (Libero) – Though small in stature, Zoe has a huge presence on defense. Her fearless play and growing college interest have made her a leader in the back row.
Braylin Stephens (RS) – The only freshman on Varsity last year, Braylin is a left-handed right side whose offseason growth has been striking. Her intensity and versatility will be key in the team’s new-look system.
Offseason Training: Speed, Reaction, and Muscle
Spring workouts have zeroed in on reaction time, speed, and strength development. The coaching staff is determined to reduce in-game fatigue and ensure players are conditioned for longer rallies and faster play. "We’ve seen the need for quicker transitions and more explosive movement across the board," says Coach Lloyd.
Strategic Shift: Embracing Complexity
After years of running a 5-1 offensive system, the team is preparing for a transition to a 6-2 offense, leveraging its deeper bench of setters and attackers. With a team capable of running more advanced offensive systems and complex play sets, the shift is both strategic and exciting. “This is one of the most talented and flexible groups we’ve had in a long time,” says Lloyd.
Community Involvement & Media Presence
The team’s presence extends far beyond the court. On social media, they’ve continued to highlight player achievements and connect with fans. Their media coverage from Tay__visuals has become a staple, though bittersweet as that partnership concludes post-graduation. The team is actively seeking new creatives to capture their preseason journey.
Meanwhile, Varsity athletes have taken on mentorship roles with JV and middle school players and are helping lead Riverdale Baptist’s upcoming Beginners and Advanced Camps as counselors, further cementing their impact on the program’s culture and future.
Challenges Ahead: New System, New Roles
The most immediate challenge? Switching to a 6-2 offense and integrating two new setters into a system built on offensive rhythm. With five seniors graduating—including three starters—the team must quickly identify the right lineup combinations during August tryouts. But Coach Lloyd remains confident: “We’re up for the challenge. This group has grit.”
 and Damani Myers (Middle Hitter)—both graduating seniors who will continue their volleyball journeys at the collegiate level. Their leadership and production will be sorely missed.
On the sidelines, the team adds a familiar face in a new role: Coach Zaria Edmonds will join as Varsity Head Assistant Coach. Previously the JV Head Coach, Edmonds brings energy and familiarity that players are excited to welcome.
Players to Watch: Rising Stars and Breakout Potential
Averi Hanna (MH) – A 6-rotation junior and one of the area’s top D1 recruits, Averi is a force at the net and continues to grow into her leadership role.
Ladae Clarke (RS/OH) – A senior transfer from Suitland High School, Ladae adds firepower and reliability in pressure moments, while also contributing as a blocker.
Zoe Byrd (Libero) – Though small in stature, Zoe has a huge presence on defense. Her fearless play and growing college interest have made her a leader in the back row.
Braylin Stephens (RS) – The only freshman on Varsity last year, Braylin is a left-handed right side whose offseason growth has been striking. Her intensity and versatility will be key in the team’s new-look system.
Offseason Training: Speed, Reaction, and Muscle
Spring workouts have zeroed in on reaction time, speed, and strength development. The coaching staff is determined to reduce in-game fatigue and ensure players are conditioned for longer rallies and faster play. )
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