As the fall sport season soon approaches, the volleyball team preps for their pre league scrimmages by creating goals and training.

“I expect us to have another great season.  We have a lot of great pieces and we just need to see who fits where.  I expect us to have another great season.  We have a lot of great pieces and we just need to see who fits where,” said Varsity Coach John Grix.

Grix isn’t the only one that knows the team will have to work hard this season.  After losing senior Maddie Cannon, the players know that they will have to train hard in order to fill the hole in the team.

“I’m expecting my teammates, and myself, to work hard all the time, stay positive, and stay focused on our goals,” said sophomore Brooke Watson.

Practicing every day and conditioning every other, the team builds their skills as well as their strength.  The team has a trainer this year who has them lift weights, run the track, flip tires, do ab circuits, and a multitude of other workouts.

After EC and Rio tied for the league title, the varsity team knows that they will have to fight for another league title this year.

“I don’t think about beating EC as much as everyone probably thinks, I think about winning league (which involves every team in league).  We are working a lot harder this season and as long as we play together, stay focused, and everyone puts the team first, we can achieve our goals,” said Grix.

Grix holds his team to high standards this year and expects them to show up to practice ready to play and work together.  Drills include battling for points, blocks, kills, and digs.

Competition amongst the team makes the players work harder in order to avoid suicides, wall sits, and pushups.  It also encourages players to bring out their competitive spirit.

The team is excited about the season and is prepared to fight for a league title by playing together to achieve their ultimate goal.