Huffman providing all-around depth for Lady Cats

Archer City senior Kadence Huffman knows this year might be a little different for the Lady Cats following the departure of last year’s graduates but she feels confident this year’s squad can come together for a special season.

“We all watched the seniors from last year since we were in junior high,” she said. “We knew they were going to be great but now it’s our time since they’re gone. We’ve got to embrace it and make the best out of it. It’s our time to shine.”

Through the early portion of the season, Huffman has embraced a leadership role on the Lady Cats as well as transitioned into the libero position, a slight change for her during her volleyball tenure.

“I’m focused on keeping my game clean,” she added. “It’s a really big talking position; you’re always talking to either your front row or your back row. I’m working on stepping up more as a leader and leading the players on the court. (...) Maddie Lopez and Mallory Maxwell were really big leaders on the court for us last year. They did a good job of lifting everyone up and helping shake off mistakes. Seeing them talk on the court and be big players is how I’m trying to play the libero position this year. I’m just trying to be a leader.”

While expected to largely play libero, Archer City head coach Krissa England explained she may move the all-around athlete all over the court depending on the Lady Cats’ biggest areas of need.

“Kadence is a hard worker,” England said. “Her defense has gotten better. We might try a few games where she’s a hitter and someone else is libero. I’m looking for her to be one of our best athletes.”

As with most small-town students, Huffman is involved in just about everything Archer City has to offer, from volleyball to showing animals to UIL academics to cheerleading.

Last year, she received the silver medal at the state academics competition in editorial writing and placed fifth in copy-editing.

“With academics, I do pretty much everything in journalism,” Huffman added. “I’ve thought about getting into journalism or working in graphic design but I’m not really sure.”

After high school, Huffman is leaning on attending Texas A&M and working in the medical field.

“I really want to do something with anesthesia as an anesthetist or something like that. That’s about as far as I want to go.”

Before that happens, however, she has a team to lead and has ideas on how the Lady Cats can continue to get better.

“We need to improve on talking a lot and connecting as a team so we flow better on the court,” she said. “Our confidence also needs to improve with everyone on the court, not just the younger girls. I don’t know if we’ll be at the top of the district. We’re just trying to prepare the younger kids for future years. We played some teams in our district this weekend and I’m hoping we can put our people together and make those games winnable in district.”

No matter how the season turns out, Kadence Huffman is leaving her mark on the Lady Cats for years to come.