By Keelen Landrum
Photo by Alycia Artis
Volleyball season at the Willow School has once again kicked off, and players on this team are excited to work towards their individual and collective goals this year.
For the third consecutive season, a leadership change has resulted in a new head coach. With 26 players, three managers, and two assistants, it’s evident that Coach Alie came in with the intention of growing this program in order to create a season filled with success.
The captains of this team, seniors Keelen Landrum and Mary Evans, and junior Piper Briuglio, have agreed that their hopes are high for this season due to the immense amount of time and effort being put into strengthening this team. The months of preparation before the season and the constant grind ever since are proof that this team is hungry to win.
“I think we had nowhere to go but up, and I think we have gone up… a lot—through teamwork and hard work,” Briuglio expressed. “Coach Alie cares about us, not only as players but as people, too, and her dedication to this team is what keeps us so motivated.”
The Lady Lions fell short last season, coming out with a varsity record of 6-8, making them unqualified for playoffs. However, for the newer players coming in, they believe this team is a force to be reckoned with.
“We are absolutely locked in this season,” freshman Marley Russell stated. “I’m so excited to see what we can do.” With hopes this high, the team is ready to reclaim its spot in the playoffs.
Coming in with 16 games versus teams like Newman, McGehee, Haynes, Sacred Heart, and others, the Lady Lions have some heavy competition coming their way this season.
This season opened up with a home game versus rival school, Ben Franklin. The team suffered a 3-0 loss, but the support coming into the game was the greatest the team has seen in years. Both sides of the bleachers were packed with our student and parent fans, but also Franklin’s fan base. The gym was left with standing room only, and the energy was definitely in the building.
“I’ve been on this team for four years now, and the one consistent thing we have is our spirit. We always come in with good energy in games and during practice. Those good vibes are definitely what keeps us together as a team, and I wouldn’t know where we would be without that,” senior Mary Evans said.
With events like the Pink Game, Big-Little reveals, pool parties, potlucks, sleepovers, senior night, and more, the girls on this team always have something to look forward to with each other.
“These parts of the season are crucial,” according to sophomore Abby Hunter, “because they bring the team together on a personal level.”
Despite the losses faced so far, the Lady Lions are still enthusiastic about this season and looking forward to giving it their all until the end. Go, Lions!
