WALKER LOCKED IN FOR FINAL SEASON

Going into her senior year Presley Walker is completely locked in.

For starters, the 2024 all conference player is locked in on blocks, as in she has a career goal of having the second most ever by a Lady Bearcat volleyball player when her playing days are over.

“I’m fourth (all time) now, I’m trying to get second,” Walker said.

Through her junior season Walker has 156 career blocks which ties her with Brittany Ward (May). Raylynn Scott is next up at 181 and Joleigh Tate is in second with 193.

Aleeah Blansett has set the bar at 310 but Walker says “second is very reachable.”

While the block mark is a goal, it is not as if Walker specializes. She rotates throughout the floor, seldom taking a break.

“I play all around, I play all the spots,” said Walker. “I actually like hitting more but blocking is pretty fun too.”

“She is one of the most strongest and most powerful hitters Booneville has had in a long time,” said Lady Bearcat head coach Bailey Stringer.

Walker, who also plays softball, locked in on volleyball as soon as she left elementary school.

“I just liked thinking about playing volleyball as a kid. I would come watch the Purple-White games and I knew that I wanted to play,” said Walker. “As soon as I got to junior high I signed up immediately.”

Walker was also more than willing to be locked in, as in the doors locked in at the safe room for an overnight “camp” Wednesday night with her teammates and coach Stringer.

“We do a bunch of team building exercises to get closer and we have a lot of scrimmaging time,” said Walker. “And we kind of just hang out.”

Truthfully, Walker would rather scrimmage, locking in on the game-type action.

“I find drills a little boring because playing you get a lot more reps,” said Walker though she is quick to complete the sentence if you don’t drill right, “you don’t play right.”

Walker and most of nine seniors in the lock in have been playing since seventh grade.

“We have a little bit of a clicky kind of group but we’re pretty tight in team work,” said Walker.

The volleyball environment is also a locked in focus.

“Every time I wake up it makes me sad that it’s almost over already,” Walker said. “I’m definitely excited to get another opportunity.”

She adds, “I’m pretty pumped for this season and I think this is going to be the best year yet.”

“In the last year Presley has made some amazing gains that I think will result in an amazing season,” said Stringer. “I have high expectations for her this season and what all she can bring to our team.”

To make sure she is ready Walker is typically one of the earliest to arrive for morning practices, something made easier with her first vehicle, which she eagerly shows off.

Following the two week athletic dead period – June 22 through July 6 – Walker will be more than happy to be locked in a bus and a hotel room, and in the search for a bargain as the team makes it annual trip to Branson, Mo., for a team camp.

“We stay up there a few days. The first few days are playing against other teams that are in Branson, and the last few days we shop,” said Walker. “Like an excessive amount of shopping, and go eat as a team.”

Clothes are a main shopping interest she said.

Walker is also locked in on her future, at least in terms of profession. She is already a Certified Nursing Assistant with LPN and RN future plans. Exactly where is a little less in focus but Arkansas Tech and UAFS are options since they also play volleyball.