Lexington Middle School Volleyball Girls Season Preview

Lexington Middle School (LMS) is gearing up for an exciting volleyball season, with experienced players, promising new additions, and a seasoned coach leading the team. Coach Jim Prather is no stranger to success, having led LMS to numerous victories and a reputation for being a powerhouse team in their conference. As the team sets their sights on their annual goals – win all home matches, regular season games, and the Lex10 Tournament – they have a strong roster of returning players to rely on. One of their strongest assets is the team's leadership, with three captains who possess the qualities of leadership, respect, and integrity that Coach Prather looks for in potential team leaders. The top returning players from last season are Caitlyn Miller and Lexie Floyd, both of whom had a busy travel season and bring confidence and experience to the team. Eden Stinecipher, the first setter, and Braelyn Gilcreace, the libero, also return with valuable skills and leadership qualities. Peyton Williams, who is known for her competitive attitude, is expected to bring strength and drive to the team. In addition to these key players, Coach Prather is excited about the potential impact of new player Oceanne Noubissi, who brings amazing quickness and agility to the team. With a combination of seasoned veterans and skilled newcomers, LMS is poised to have a strong and dynamic team this season. But it takes more than just individual talent to have a successful team. Coach Prather emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie for their success. To build this, the team participates in activities like a cookout, swim party, and lock-in, as well as organized events like the big sister-little sister program. These activities not only help the team bond and develop strong relationships but also create a positive and supportive culture within the team. When it comes to motivating players to reach their full potential, Coach Prather believes in a combination of positive incentives and consequences. The team's goals are always kept at the forefront, serving as a driving force to push players to give their best and strive for success. Preparing for this season has come with its challenges, one being the sheer number of players who participated in summer workouts – 46 vying for only 24 spots on the team. This created a balancing act for Coach Prather, ensuring that each player received equal amounts of training and attention.