The562’s coverage of high school volleyball in 2024-2025 is brought to you by the MLP’s Bay Area Breakers.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
As usual, when the Lakewood girls’ volleyball team takes the court this year, they’ll be coached by a Wadley. Unusually, it won’t be longtime coach Mike Wadley, the highly successful head man who won the school’s only state championship. Beginning this year, it’ll be Adam Wadley, Mike’s son, and a longtime assistant coach for the Lancers.
“It’s a little surreal, I was thinking about it yesterday,” said Adam. “The past two coaches before me were Steve Lewis and my dad–that’s something awesome to think about. As far as volleyball, it’s the same business for me. Being in charge versus assisting takes some getting used to, but I’m excited about this year with some great kids returning.”
The Lancers will be led by outside hitter Lala Hall, a senior Fresno State commit who’s a returning All-Moore League athlete and will be one of the top athletes in the city. She’s the third of her sisters to suit up for the Lancers and has been a four-year varsity player.
“She obviously comes from a Lakewood family and knows what we’re all about,” said Wadley.
The Lancers aren’t packed with big hitters on the pins, and will rely on ball control and a scrappy attitude. Libero Emily Nanez will anchor the defense with setters Layla Zavala and Carly Bercero (both sophomores) feeding Hall, Alizae Leilua, and opposite Kelsey Stephenson. Middle blockers Kaylie Hawkins and Aaryn Hunter will bring a blocking presence.
“Our defense and serving will be our mainstays this year,” said Wadley.
A libero himself at Wilson and LBCC, Wadley said he’s comfortable building a team around passing.
“It’s easy for me to coach because growing up as a libero, it’s natural for me to teach that style,” said Wadley. “We have to want to play defense. Lakewood defense is always something that’s been really energetic and it has to be this year.”
The Lancers are looking at a Moore League where Poly and Wilson shared the league title last year and Millikan also returns talent. But the bloodline is strong at Lakewood, where the Lancers won the two previous league titles as well as seven of the last ten.
“We’re just going to be a scrappy little team,” said Wadley.
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