Volleyball Looks to Experience and Chemistry in 2014
The 2014 Golden Tigers volleyball team enters the season with high expectations. Ranked fourth in the SSAC Pre-Season Coaches Poll and under the leadership of first year head coach Michael Carter, the Golden Tigers will heavily rely on their upperclassmen, including five seniors,and a host of newcomers.
Carter believes that this team is ready for the challenge. He notes that the work ethic and determination from his team during the preseason is evident. "This is one of the most motivated and focused groups I've had the opportunity to work with", said Carter. "They bring an intensity to practice that really exciting to be a part of. Every play, every day."
Senior Rachel Adam leads a solid group of seniors into their final season. The 2013 All-SSAC second team member will be asked to anchor the middle position after posting a team high hitting percentage of .294 and averaging 1.13 blocks per game during the 2013 season.
Fellow senior Chelsea Foster looks to play an expanded role this season as one of two setters responsible for running the Golden Tigers' offense. Foster played in 34 matches last season and served a team high .971 pct.
Devony Hemingway will play a major role in the front row as both an offensive threat and as a blocker with the responsibility to shut down the opponent's big hitters on the left and in the middle. Hemingway played in 31 matches last season and will factor heavily into the success of the 2014 squad.
Defensive specialist Lindsay Kelly will help efforts in the back row after posting 552 digs during the 2013 campaign. Kelly enters the 2014 season just 17 digs short of 1,000 for her career.
Sydney Koon looks to make a significant impact at the outside hitter position after missing the 2013 season with a shoulder injury. During the 2012 season Koon was selected as a SSAC second team performer and hit .320 and tallied more than 200 digs.
The lone junior on the team, Bailey Hicks, will run the offense in conjunction with Foster. Hicks averaged a team high 7.16 assists per game during the 2013 season and has developed an important chemistry with the hitters.
Not to be outdone, a talented group of sophomores brings a wealth of experience to the table for 2014. Pam Konken played in all 35 matches last season and served 24 aces and tallied 359 digs from the outside hitter position. Sophomore Jasmine Jones played in 28 matches and looks to play a greatly expanded role at outside hitter and opposite, while Allie Smith played in 31 matches and will play a significant role in the middle.
Carter also brings in a trio of newcomers to the team. Freshman Cayla Graham, a freshman outside hitter from Mill Creek High School, brings an impressive prep resume to the Golden Tigers. Graham was honored as a Gwinnett County Super Six performer, All County and All Area selections and named to the Georgia High School Senior All-Star Team.
Along with Carter, two other newcomers will add talent to the squad. Standing 6'1", Tiffany Ozieh from Peachtree Ridge High School comes in with the instinct and physical tools to be a force at the net for the Golden Tigers. Jasmine Davis, a two-sport athlete in basketball and volleyball, is a transfer from Brown Mackie College and brings competitiveness and heart to the team.
"We've already seen some great things out of our newcomers", said Carter. "Even though they are all playing a completely different system than what they are used to, we've been able to make some changes and the improvements are coming every day. We've just finished our pre-season and I believe we already have a very tight team. Chemistry is important, and we have a team that truly likes one another. That unity combined with our focus and drive will make for a very exciting season at Brenau."
Brenau opens their regular season on Friday August 29th when they travel to Brunswick, Georgia for the Mariner Classic.