The team listens to coach Haley Garmon during a timeout.
​With new faces and a brand new coaching staff, the Lady Cat Volleyball team realizes that changes can sometimes be difficult, but according to first year head coach Haley Garmon, the squad is coming together quickly.
The team lost seven seniors from last year, most all of which took up the majority of playing time. With few varsity players returning from last year, this year's team will rely on young players to get the job done.
Although they lost two out of three sets to Bowling Green High on Tuesday, (25-23, 25-13) Garmon is still optimistic and said she liked much of what she saw.
"Losing seven seniors is tough, but this year's team is ready for the challenge," she said. "They have worked extremely hard to fill their roles and positions on the team. I have all confidence in them and they have improved as players and even better teammates."
Coach Haley Garmon instructs her team from the sideline.
Being a head coach for the first time has plenty of pressures, but Garmon says those pressures greatly depend on the type of personalities that are on a team. "As a first year head coach there's a lot to take in, but the girls are eager to learn, they listen, and they're respectful, which makes my job easier."
Junior hitter Megan Dockery goes for the kill against Bowling Green.
Garmon said she has confidence in this year's team and that their hard work is already paying off.
"BG is a good team...We didn't get the win but we made them work to get it. Your first game shows you where you are, and I couldn't be more proud of these girls and how far they have come. Of course there is always room for improvement, but I think we'll surprise some opponents this year."
Junior Shasta Smith sets the ball for a teammate.
The team will host an inter-squad scrimmage tonight at 6pm at ECHS. Garmon says they'll continue working on the same thing they've been busy at all summer long: hard work and fundamentals.
"I expect for us to improve each game and compete every time we step on the floor. In the last scrimmage, we played as a team unit and showed that we have a lot of talent. With each match, I am looking for effort and consistency."