Saturday, August 13, 2011

Fall Preview Article

County volleyball teams ready to dig into season

Hendricks County returns seven teams to the volleyball courts this fall after a successful 2010 campaign that saw a semi-state berth (Avon) and a sectional champion (Bethesda). This year looks to be even better as many county teams return several key starters from last season...

Bethesda

For the past four seasons the Bethesda volleyball team has endured a coaching change.

But that may end up becoming a positive for the Patriots, as they're accustomed to the routine.

"As a first-year coach, I could definitely not be more pleased," Bethesda coach Marissa Sharbaugh said. "I think because the girls have seen so many changes they were quick to adapt and take hold of whatever was thrown at them and move forward."

As the only four-year returner, senior Olivia Harrison has been through a lot with the program and has come out on the other end stronger, Sharbaugh said.

"She'll be one of the team's strongest leaders," she said. "She's very vocal and a lot of the girls really look up to her as an example and for encouragement. A lot of our team's energy comes from Olivia."

Eight players will make up the core of the team and the Patriots will rotate the last three positions from the other 12 girls on the squad.

Juniors Hannah Henry, Sara Tague, Andrea Kish, Jordan Benge, and Cassie Mitchell, along with sophomore Mekayla Leichty and freshman Shelby Henry will make up the rest of the varsity players for Bethesda.

Bethesda reached the regional round of play last season, but fell to eventual Class A, state runner-up Indianapolis Lutheran.

The goal of succeeding is still up front for the Patriots, but Sharbaugh wants the team to grow into good people first and believes that if they do that, winning will take care of itself.

"My focus especially is not on the win-loss column, but becoming women of excellence and teaching life skills," Sharbaugh said. "Life continues on after high school and I want them to remember that. If we can get some wins on the way, that would be obviously ideal and I think we have a great opportunity to have both a successful regular and postseason record."


{I had to laugh at the "grow into good people" comment... pretty sure that's not quite how I stated it!  Although, who knows, I was on the phone with the reporter with two kids on my lap, so it might have come out that cheesy!}

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