Western volleyball enters Webb era ready to win

Published 8:13 pm Monday, August 10, 2026

BARRY, Ill. — There’s a new voice and attitude with the Barry Western volleyball team.

Western hired longtime volleyball coach Troy Webb to be its new head coach in the offseason, who most recently coached at Chillicothe IVC before retiring in 2024.

“I was head coach up there for 10 years and retired back to Pleasant Hill, where my wife and I are from,” said Webb. “I wasn’t really looking for a coaching job, but this one kind of fell in my lap. I got a little bit bored staying at home, so they got me back in here. I like what I see.”

Webb had a run off success at Chillicothe IVC, winning three regional titles, two sectional titles, finishing with 20-plus wins five times and third in Class 2A in 2022.

Webb’s hiring signals a new direction for Western volleyball.

“It’s going really good,” said junior outside hitter Sophie Rennecker. “I really like him. Sometimes he scares us, but he has a lot of knowledge and I’m excited for the season.”

Although the team had a great relationship with previous head coach Anna Pulver, the transition has gone smooth.

“It’s been amazing,” said Patterson. “It was hard at first just going from the coach I had before. She taught me all through junior high and in high school until this year. But it’s been a really easy transition. He’s amazing.”

Western practiced three days a week over the summer, and also hit the weight room and did plyometrics.

“I didn’t really expect to come in and start this fast, but we really came in and showed everyone we’re here to win,” said Patterson.

Webb was aware of the talent Western had before taking the job and wants to shape the Wildcats into the team he had at IVC.

“They’re great kids,” said Webb. “I got to know their names quicker because there’s only 18 of them.”

The Wildcats hosted a tournament last Monday that also included Jacksonville, Liberty, Pleasant Hill and Pittsfield.

“We talked about from day one that we need to compete at a higher level,” said Webb. “So that’s the reason we got Pittsfield and Jacksonville in, because we need to play teams that play tougher schedules and we need to toughen up our own schedule as well. We’ve conquered, like Southeastern, Pittsfield and Jacksonville, so we’re in a good spot going into the season.”

Webb has preached a competitive outlook in practice since taking over.

“We’re expecting to win,” said Webb. “My job here is to generate wins. So we’re going to play at a high level and we’re going to take this thing as far as we can take it.”

The Wildcats had a solid team last season, finishing 22-12, making a seven-win improvement from the 2024 campaign.

After falling to Triopia in the regional semifinals to end the 2025 season, Western feels that the team can do even better in 2026.

“I’m very excited,” said Patterson. “I think we should easily beat our record from last year. We’re only improving from here. This is just the start.”

A regional championship is on Western’s mind, especially after the softball team accomplished that feat this spring.

“We want to win a regional championship,” said Rennecker, who is also Western’s ace pitcher. “Then see how far we go after that.”

Rennecker is coming off an All-Conference season where she compiled 268 digs and 259 kills.

“I would say we attack best and we cover well,” said Rennecker. “So we can get second chances.”

Patterson is another returning All-Conference standout after recording 278 kills last season.

“I would say hitting line is my strength,” said Patterson. “I just talk a lot on the court. I’m always yelling people’s names and to go and all that stuff.”

Junior setter Alysa Bareis is a third All-Conference returner, who ended last season with 589 assists and 45 aces.

Other returnes include junior Macy Oitker, sophomore Reese Bushmeyer and junior Mya Sheppard.

“I think our setter Alyssa Bareis is lightning quick,” said Webb. “She’s starting to understand the offense we’re trying to run at a faster tempo. Our middles are stepping up their games. Our libero, Macy Oitker is doing a great job back there. Just about every player on the court is. We also will get back one of better defensive players, Reece Bushmeyer.”

The veteran players on Western have developed some chemistry over the years.

“I’ve played with Sophie for two years now and also in junior high,” said Rennecker. “She’s amazing. My setter Alyssa can just make every ball work and she’s so fast. Our whole back row as well. We work really well together as a team.”

Western opens the 2026 season with a road game against West Hancock on Monday, Aug. 24 and will face Illini West on Tuesday, Aug. 25 in its home opener.

“I am really confident this year,” said Rennecker. “I feel like this will be a really good year for us.”