LINDEN — There are only three seniors on this year’s North volleyball team, but there are a lot of familiar faces returning.
“We have several returning varsity players that played varsity as underclassmen,” said Chargers coach Taylor Pierce. “They have now worked their way up into being wonderful leaders for us. They trust each other; they can build on one another’s strengths and support any weaknesses.”
One of those seniors does happen to be a four-year starter and was co-player of the year last season.
“We start with Piper Ramey,” Pierce said, “a senior, four-year varsity player who hit 1,000 career assists last season and was co-volleyball player of the year last year. She brings energy and positivity in every aspect of the game.”
More upperclass experience will add to depth.
“Kaydence Young is another senior,” Pierce said. “She is a three-year varsity player, with moving rolls to get her more looks to attack, looking to her for consistency. Ayden Braun is a junior, a third-year varsity libero, she has the ability to read the court, looking to her as our vocal leader this year.”
The experience is the key.
“As a whole, everyone will have had varsity experience so we are looking to use that to our advantage and build on being more consistent in our gameplay,” Pierce said. “That experience, along with a lot of newcomers, gives us the ability to compete with each team we play. We tell all our girls that no spot is set, we have seen a shift in effort in practices with this new mindset that any position can be theirs. This year’s team’s strengths will be our leadership & camaraderie.”
The Chargers will open action with a scrimmage against Seeger on Aug. 15 and the season gets underway on the 20th at home against Covington. Both county matches are on the road this season.
“Our team motto this season is ‘WE>ME,’” Pierce said. “The seniors were tasked with choosing this motto and it fits great with the team dynamic everyone will see this year. Our ultimate goal is to work together to win games and this group has every chance to have a very successful season.”
