Lincoln Southeast High School Volleyball Girls Season Preview

As the 2024 season approaches, Coach Abby Fox is focused on building a unified team at Lincoln Southeast High School. With a combination of experienced returning players and talented newcomers, the team is poised for success. Leading the pack of returning players is senior Natalie Wardlow. With her experience and powerful presence at the net, she is sure to be a key player for the Knights this season. Also returning to the court is junior Ava Bearden, who holds the team to high standards with her fast-tempo setting. Both Wardlow and Bearden bring valuable skills and leadership to the team. But it's not just the seasoned players that will make an impact this year. Coach Fox has her eye on some new players who will be making their debut. Emery Williams, a sophomore, and Haleigh Bauer, a freshman, are both strong attackers who will be vital to the team's success. Norah Noecker and Ella Strasburger, both sophomores, will be leading the defensive charge for the Knights. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Fox looks for players who possess certain qualities. "I want my captains to have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to lead by example," she says. These qualities are essential for a successful team. While the team captains have not yet been officially announced, both Williams and Bauer are in the running for the role with their impressive skills and leadership abilities. One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been the speed of practice compared to the pace of the game. "We practice at a faster tempo in order to be prepared for any situation on the court," Coach Fox explains. The team is focused on their goal and is willing to put in the hard work to achieve it. They are a driven group and are constantly pushing each other to improve and perform at their best. In terms of training and conditioning, Coach Fox emphasizes the importance of mental strength. "Our mental toughness is key to our success," she says. "We need to stay composed, adapt to challenges, and support each other." This mental discipline is especially important for the younger players on the team who may be making their debut this season. The veterans on the team set a great example for the newcomers and encourage them to push themselves in every practice and game.