After last year’s season ending not how they would have predicted, the Lady Spartans volleyball team returns with a loaded roster during 2016 and a goal to make it to the state tournament. Losing in substate last year, the Lady Spartans return with experienced senior players, vital underclassmen players, and most importantly, improved chemistry.

“Last year there was a bit more drama between players, more frustration with each other. This year our team chemistry has improved greatly,” Baroff said

A vital piece of the Lady Spartans volleyball squad, Jamie Baroff (12), has been on the team for four years. Baroff believes confidence is one of the most important skills a volleyball player can have.

“Skills like passing, hitting and setting can be taught and instilled by a good coach, but the most important things to have on the court are confidence and a will to win,” Baroff said. “You cannot be timid in volleyball. You have to be confident in your ability to play.”

Every season, the Lady Spartans have a similar goal: making it to the state tournament. With a rigorous regular season schedule ahead of them, making it to the state tournament is easier said than done.

“This year and every year our goal is to get to state,” Baroff said.

Another essential member to the Lady Spartan success is captain Katie Thomas (12). She plays the role of setter on the team. Being a varsity setter since freshman year, Thomas has vital experience.

“Since I am a setter, I am working really hard to be more consistent and help hitters score as often as possible,” Thomas said.

When a player has extraordinary talent, collegiate programs come knocking at their door. This is no different for Lady Spartans Katie Thomas, Gigi Ford (11) and Kaila Beckwith (12), who are all receiving offers to play at the collegiate level.

In addition to having collegiate-level-skilled players, the Lady Spartans also wield young players that are making a name for themselves on the court. Notable underclassmen include Samantha Thornton (9), the team’s primary defensive player, and McKenzie Cornell (9). These are the only two freshmen players on varsity.

Freshmen performing well at the varsity level can only mean bright things for the future success of the Lady Spartans volleyball team.