Sports
Ace Nation: TVC volleyball preview
By: Greta Gunderson
Posted on:
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — As the new volleyball season approaches, anticipation is building both on and off the court. Teams have been working tirelessly through their summer practices, honing their skills and building chemistry, in preparation for the competitive matches ahead.
Players, coaches, and fans are excited to see the teams’ hard work pay off. With new underclassmen joining their experienced teammates, anything can happen. One thing is for sure, TVC volleyball promises thrilling rallies and intense matchups. Let us check what each team has been up to in the off-season.
Federal Hocking
The Federal Hocking Lancers, who have been working to overcome past deficits, are hoping to make it even further in the tournament than last season.
Federal Hocking fell in the District Semi-Final last year, sophomore Brenlee Cottrill said, “We have been working on our speed and agility.”
Along with that, there has been a big focus on fundamentals which Cottrill says needs work, but she is optimistic that the time in the gym this summer created improvement in those areas.
Senior Markala Goeglein is also optimistic for the season, “My goal for the team is to win a District Championship,” Goeglein said. “This would be the first for Fed Hock volleyball and I think we can do it.”
Alexander
The Spartans have also been working hard in the off-season and are pumped for the season although they lost some talented seniors.
The Spartan’s new head coach, Lauren Hill, is excited to see growth within her team.
“We have had a challenging pre-season, playing difficult teams, but those challenges have only promoted further growth.”
Despite having many underclassmen, they have been promoting playing for the program, and their grade level does not define what each athlete is capable of.
“I hope we will win the TVC, and I know this team can do it,” Senior Jade Seaman said. “I can already see the team coming together as one.”
Athens
Athens has been putting work in all season to continue building off last season. They have many returning players who want to step up big for the team.
Coach Hailee Hart is full of hope for this season,“ I’m happy to have an experienced roster who has shown their scrappiness all summer,” Hart explained. “The seniors are selfless, and they always bring a positive spirit.”
Senior Rylee Toadvine says the five seniors will bring a lot to the team, especially through their leadership and varsity experience. Senior Caitlyn Hayes added that the team members are always very honest with each other and have great chemistry. The two seniors are just as hopeful as Coach Hart for a standout season.
Trimble
The Tomcats have spent a lot of time in the weight room and working on running a quicker offense.
Coach Brandi Freer says, “Despite it being a rebuilding year after losing seven seniors, I think the team will exceed expectations and hopes to come away with the TVC-Hocking title.”
Freer mentioned that her seniors have stepped up as leaders on and off the court, taking underclassmen under their wing. She has high expectations for the season and knows that her team has the hunger and drive to win.
Nelsonville-York
The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes still want more after an impressive season last year. Despite losing three key seniors, Coach Wayne Dicken can already feel the chemistry within his team.
“The nine seniors play a key role in chemistry on the court,” Dicken shares. “They are all stepping up as leaders and helping in many ways.”
Senior Megan Booth says that last year’s success is now an expectation for her team, “We (the seniors) hope to bring a positive mindset to the team this season and demonstrate what the program is all about.”
Senior Kyleigh Warren says the team is prepared for anything and ready to step up to the challenge. Warren mentioned that the group of seniors has been playing together since elementary school and that their chemistry is unmatched.
The first serve of the high school volleyball season is almost here, and this year promises to be one of the best yet. Teams are ready to highlight their grit, talent, and determination and Ace Nation will be there to cover all the TVC volleyball action.