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Season Recap: Middle School Volleyball season 'nothing short of exciting'

The middle school volleyball team had a solid 2020 season. The A-Team in particular was bringing back a lot of experience, and took the next step in the success of the program

"This season has been nothing short of exciting," says coach Whittney LaHayne. "I am so proud of how each of the girls has grown; from A-team to B-team."

The A-Team went 7-8 in 2020, falling in heartbreaking fashion in the End of Season Tournament to Banks County, who they had beaten days earlier at home. The loss brought the season to an end, but the lasting impact of this group continues on.

"It has been so rewarding watching the girls on A-team grow and seeing all the hard work pay off over the last two years," adds LaHayne. "All of their confidence levels have grown and blossomed this season. Our end of season tournament this past Saturday was tough. We worked hard and hustled in the first and third sets. There were some calls that went unnoticed and I felt this messed with the girls' moral. In my book they are number one. If they could see what I see in terms of growth they would dominate the floor."

The growth has been evident, as the A-Team went 5-6 last season, which had been one of the better seasons in awhile. This 2020 year has been even better. The B-Team went 4-6-3 overall in 2020.

The A-Team will see all but one on the roster move up to the Upper School in the Fall of 2021. Seventh-grader Rebecca Heyl is the lone player that will return to the A-Team next season. The B-Team will likely return eight players next season.

"I am hoping in the upcoming seasons, they continue to grow and put their skills to use," says LaHayne on her current volleyball players. "I am also hoping COVID goes away so we can practice this spring and even into the summer to perfect our skills and work on our weak spots."

LaHayne and coach Hannah Satterfield held the girls to high expectations on and off the court. The A-Team on September 3 won a tri-match at White Creek Christian, earning wins over the host school and War Hill Christian to move to 5-3 on the season at that point in time. The girls hit their peak around that time, but also earned a momentum win at home against Banks on September 18 to highlight the season.