Smithville High School Volleyball Season Preview

As the high school sports season approaches, all eyes are on the Smithville High School volleyball team. With a promising group of returning players and talented newcomers, the team is ready to take on the challenges of the new season. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach Dave Tyner about the team and their goals for the upcoming season. Coach Tyner shared that the team has a lot of athletes with little varsity experience but with a lot of potential. However, there are a few players who have stood out from last season and will be key contributors this year. These players include seniors Ellie Noll, an outside hitter, and Kylee Bollinger, a setter. Coach Tyner describes them as hardworking athletes with the most experience, making them essential leaders on the team. With several new and talented players joining the team, Coach Tyner believes that their contributions will be critical to the team's success. He specifically mentioned 7-8 new varsity contributors who are expected to make an immediate impact. Among them, Ellie Noll and Kylee Bollinger are expected to take on leadership roles and guide the team to victory. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Tyner prioritizes comprehensive contributions from each player. He looks for individuals who embody the values and goals of the team and are willing to put in hard work and dedication. As of now, the team is still in the process of deciding the captains for the season. Coach Tyner understands that motivation is essential in pushing athletes to their full potential. To achieve this, he encourages team-building activities and mentoring programs between upperclassmen and younger athletes. This not only fosters a strong team dynamic but also helps the players develop both on and off the court. Like any other team, the Smithville volleyball team also faces challenges in preparing for the new season. Coach Tyner says that the team is constantly working on cultivating a winning culture and instilling a sense of accountability and personal responsibility in each player. With a young and inexperienced team, it is crucial to focus on development and growth, rather than just wins and losses. The team's schedule for the season includes tough opponents, such as their main conference rivals, the Kearney Bulldogs.