The Waynesville High Lady Tigers have their fourth different head coach in as many years.
But new head coach Kevin Schnicker is far from new to the school. And he is familiar with the team’s personnel and the rugged competition that faces the Lady Tigers in the Central Ozark Conference.
Schnicker has worked in the Waynesville School District since 2028 and also serves as principal at Waynesville Sixth-Grade Center.
He replaces Katie Pritchard as Waynesville head coach. Pritchard resigned after one season at her alma mater to become Willard High School Athletic/Activities Director.
Waynesville is coming off a 7-20 season, its first season as a member of the COC.
“I have seen a few girls during summer open gyms and some in the offseason, but still am learning their strengths,” said Schnicker, who has 22 years of coaching experienced, including head coaching stints at Cabrillo High in California, Sedalia Smith-Cotton and Osage High School. “There are many girls who play fall sports, and I will know more after we have our first week of tryouts. I would say I’m optimistic about the outlook for our season with some good returning players. I feel we will be able to play with tempo and make good decisions.
“As we prepare for the upcoming season I couldn’t be more excited about the group we have and the direction our program is heading. During the offseason some players have made tremendous progress - not only in skill development, but in maturity, communication and commitment to team goals. The energy in our gym has been improving and I feel that this enthusiasm will carry over into our season. We’re working on building our team identity this year as one that will play fast, defend hard and play together. What excites me most about this group is their chemistry and willingness to work. We have players who genuinely enjoy competing and pushing each other every day. Working on everyone to buy into the idea that success isn’t about one person - it’s about everyone doing their job, sharing the ball, and putting the team first. That mindset will give us a chance to compete every night.”
Schnicker has much experience to work with, as four full-time starters and one part-time starter return.
Leading the charge are 5-9 senior guard/forward twin sisters Riley and Regan Grosvenor, who led the squad in scoring a year ago.
Also back is three-year junior starter Brooklynn Lercher, a 5-7 guard; four-year varsity player Lauryn Lercher, a 5-8 senior forward; 5-9 sophomore forward Alana Barkley, and senior guard Ruby Histake.
Other varsity lettermen returning are senior guards Kaitlyn Sullivan and Sadie Faughn and junior guard Sara Ketchem.
Regan Grosvenor averaged 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season while Riley Grosvenor averaged 12.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists; B. Lercher 7.0 points, 3.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals, and Barkley 4.7 boards.
“Riley is an effective ball handler with great shooting range and confidence from the perimeter,” Schnicker said. “Defensively, she competes with effort and consistency. Regan is a highly competitive and physical player with a well-rounded skill set. She takes pride in her defensive effort, competes on every possession and is a true gym rat. Brooklynn is an excellent point guard with tremendous court vision. She works hard to get her teammates involved early and often. She puts in work in the gym and weight room to get stronger. Lauryn is an all-around leader and the glue that holds the team together. Her instincts and effort consistently put her in the right position to make hustle plays.
“Alana made tremendous progress on the interior as a freshman, developing into a skilled and reliable post presence. She finishes well around the rim and provides strong defensive protection. Ruby has an explosive ability to get to the rim, consistently putting pressure on the defense. On the defensive end she disrupts opponents by taking away their favorite actions. Kaitlyn has the ability to be a reliable spot-up shooter and consistently finds open areas within the half-court offense. Defensively she embraces challenges. Sadie’s relentless motor and defensive toughness make her a constant presence on the floor. She plays with high energy and takes pride in disrupting opponents.”
A key this season will be to produce more offense, as Waynesville averaged just 37.5 points per game while allowing 51.7 points.
“My coaching philosophy centers on building a program that plays with pace, purpose and passion,” Schnicker said. “We will work to build a team that competes selflessly, communicates relentlessly and takes pride on both ends of the floor. Above all, I coach to develop people first and players second. Our culture is built on trust, effort and selflessness - competing for each other, every possession, every day. My goal is to develop young ladies who understand how to play together, think the game, and bring energy every day.
“Our defensive philosophy is to pride ourselves on toughness, communication and accountability. Our defense starts with ball pressure and finishes with rebounding. We aim to dictate tempo by making every possession difficult. We defend as a unit, not as individuals.”
