As volleyball continues to grow in popularity across Vermont, the St. Johnsbury Academy Girls Volleyball Program is embracing the challenge of competing at the highest level. Head Coach Laura Gary and Assistant Coach Deb Benoit have spent the offseason laying the foundation for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal year for the Hilltoppers.
Offseason Focus
This offseason, the primary focus has been on strength and agility training. With an eye on long-term competitiveness, players are spending time in the weight room to build the athleticism needed to match up against Vermont’s top programs. For those not involved in other sports, the emphasis is on developing explosive movement and improving physical readiness for the demands of high-level play.
In addition, the team is working to refine its defensive reads, coverage systems, and offensive setting strategies. Though still a relatively young program, St. Johnsbury is gaining strength and confidence with each season.
Special Offseason Events
Due to the school’s location in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and state regulations limiting offseason coach-athlete contact, traditional club opportunities are not as readily available. However, the coaching staff has responded with creativity and dedication. Players are encouraged to organize pickup games, and the coaches have developed a structured summer program—two days a week of skill development, conditioning, and a mini-camp ahead of tryouts.
Adding to their commitment to the future of the sport, the program will also host a youth camp for incoming 7th–9th graders from June 16–20, aimed at growing the game and building interest among younger athletes.
Notable Additions & Departures
The program will be saying goodbye to six graduating seniors at the end of the upcoming season, creating seven open roster spots. With a record-breaking 55 athletes trying out last year—many of whom were new to volleyball—the coaching staff is optimistic about the talent pipeline and expects another strong turnout this summer. Coach Gary credits the athletes’ coachability and work ethic for their rapid improvement.
Players to Watch
While no specific players are being spotlighted yet, Coach Gary emphasizes a strong team-first culture. Roster spots are earned each season through a rigorous four-day double-session tryout, and all players—returners included—must prove themselves again. This approach ensures hunger, accountability, and team unity from the very start.
Fitness & Team Building
Strength training and conditioning are central to the offseason plan. For many players, fitness work overlaps with other sports seasons, while volleyball-focused athletes follow customized programming developed by the coaching staff.
Nutrition Guidance
Though a formal nutrition program is still a goal for the future, coaches regularly encourage healthy eating habits and personal accountability in fueling the body for performance and recovery.
Coaching Perspective
Coach Gary and Coach Benoit are fully committed year-round, continuously attending coaching clinics and seeking new strategies to help elevate their program. Volleyball is “always on their minds,” and the staff’s energy and dedication are helping to shape a winning culture.
Biggest Challenges Ahead
This year marks a major shift for Vermont volleyball with the Vermont Principals' Association officially splitting programs into Division I and Division II. St. Johnsbury will be competing in Division I, meaning a consistently tougher schedule and matchups against well-established powerhouses.
The team’s biggest challenge will be maintaining mental resilience, especially against high-performing opponents. The coaches are confident that their offseason focus and summer preparation will equip their athletes with the grit and mindset needed to compete, grow, and earn key wins in this new era.
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