Decatur, AL – With the 2025 volleyball season on the horizon, Austin High School’s Black Bears are deep into a dynamic offseason focused on skill development, competitive growth, and community connection. Led by Head Coach April Marsh, the program is setting the tone for success on and off the court.
Offseason Focus: Skill-Specific Development
Coach Marsh and her staff are zeroing in on position-specific skill work through structured training sessions. “Players are grouped by position to sharpen key techniques with high-rep drills,” Marsh explained. “We’ve also integrated a volleyball-centered strength and conditioning program to build power, agility, and durability.”
Building Chemistry: Club Play and Community Impact
Many Black Bears athletes remain active year-round through club volleyball, gaining valuable playing time and learning new positions. Meanwhile, the team has been intentional about creating off-court bonds. This past year, they carved pumpkins together in October, crafted Christmas cards for a local nursing home, and participated in a food drive. Summer 2025 will include team playdates, camps, and bonding activities to further cement team chemistry.
Roster Moves: Veteran Core Returns with Young Talent Rising
While the team graduated four standout seniors, a strong returning group positions the Black Bears for a promising run in 2025. Coach Marsh shared, “The core of our starting lineup is back, and we’re excited to see returning players take on larger roles.”
Players to Watch
Arden Breelove (Senior, Multi-Sport Athlete) – Known for her leadership and versatility, Arden brings unmatched team-first energy to every role she fills. Also, a standout on the softball field.
Charlie Barnes (Senior) – Coming off a strong club season, Charlie’s growth as a six-rotation player makes her a serious weapon on both ends of the court. She has ambitions to play at the collegiate level.
Maggie Marsh (Junior Setter) – A key offensive leader, Maggie’s development has added a new dimension to Austin’s playmaking.
Amari Woods (Junior OH / Multi-Sport Athlete) – A six-rotation threat with club and varsity basketball experience, Amari will be a game-changer in the front row.
Avery Bailey (Junior Libero) – Back from ACL surgery, Avery brings grit and contagious energy as she works her way back into the lineup.
Addison Garth (Sophomore Middle) – Made a huge splash as a freshman and returns even stronger, with improved footwork and a heavy arm swing.
Coach Marsh also noted that sophomores Cora Barnes, Crystal Jimenez, Marley Heinrich, Halo Reed, and Cassidy Cunningham could be major contributors in 2025.
Strength Training & Fitness
Offseason workouts include volleyball-specific movements, emphasizing plyometrics, agility, core strength, lower-body explosiveness, and cardiovascular conditioning to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
Fueling for Performance
Players are encouraged to follow a simple, balanced nutrition plan that prioritizes energy, recovery, hydration, and whole foods. “It’s about making smart choices that support the demands of elite athletic performance,” said Marsh.
Coaching Philosophy: Raising the Volleyball I.Q.
The Austin coaching staff focuses on teaching the “why” behind the game, empowering players to become smarter and more confident on the court. “We want our girls to understand the strategy and have the tools to adapt. It’s not just reps—it’s learning and growing through every situation,” said Marsh.
Fan Engagement & Community Service
Austin Volleyball has been proactive in strengthening its connection with the community. “We launched our first-ever youth volleyball league this year, and our players have been heavily involved in local service projects,” said Marsh. These efforts build pride, visibility, and long-term support for the program.
What Lies Ahead: Embracing the Challenge
Coach Marsh knows the 2025 schedule will be tough, but she welcomes the competition. “We’ve made sure we’ll face strong opponents because that’s how we grow. Every loss will be a lesson, every match a chance to get better. We’re preparing for a long run into the postseason.”
 – Known for her leadership and versatility, Arden brings unmatched team-first energy to every role she fills. Also, a standout on the softball field.
Charlie Barnes (Senior) – Coming off a strong club season, Charlie’s growth as a six-rotation player makes her a serious weapon on both ends of the court. She has ambitions to play at the collegiate level.
Maggie Marsh (Junior Setter) – A key offensive leader, Maggie’s development has added a new dimension to Austin’s playmaking.
Amari Woods (Junior OH / Multi-Sport Athlete) – A six-rotation threat with club and varsity basketball experience, Amari will be a game-changer in the front row.
Avery Bailey (Junior Libero) – Back from ACL surgery, Avery brings grit and contagious energy as she works her way back into the lineup.
Addison Garth (Sophomore Middle) – Made a huge splash as a freshman and returns even stronger, with improved footwork and a heavy arm swing.
Coach Marsh also noted that sophomores Cora Barnes, Crystal Jimenez, Marley Heinrich, Halo Reed, and Cassidy Cunningham could be major contributors in 2025.
Strength Training & Fitness
Offseason workouts include volleyball-specific movements, emphasizing plyometrics, agility, core strength, lower-body explosiveness, and cardiovascular conditioning to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
Fueling for Performance
Players are encouraged to follow a simple, balanced nutrition plan that prioritizes energy, recovery, hydration, and whole foods. “It’s about making smart choices that support the demands of elite athletic performance,” said Marsh.
Coaching Philosophy: Raising the Volleyball I.Q.
The Austin coaching staff focuses on teaching the “why” behind the game, empowering players to become smarter and more confident on the court. “We want our girls to understand the strategy and have the tools to adapt. It’s not just reps—it’s learning and growing through every situation,” said Marsh.
Fan Engagement & Community Service
Austin Volleyball has been proactive in strengthening its connection with the community. “We launched our first-ever youth volleyball league this year, and our players have been heavily involved in local service projects,” said Marsh. These efforts build pride, visibility, and long-term support for the program.
What Lies Ahead: Embracing the Challenge
Coach Marsh knows the 2025 schedule will be tough, but she welcomes the competition. “We’ve made sure we’ll face strong opponents because that’s how we grow. Every loss will be a lesson, every match a chance to get better. We’re preparing for a long run into the postseason.”)
Share With