Spectators may not see volleyball as an actual sport because it doesn’t seem to require as much work as other sports, but it does. “Volleyball is a very technical game. The ball can be spiked at about 90 miles per hour if hit with enough force,” said Lady Tigers Volleyball coach Kim Young.
“Volleyball requires hard-work, dedication, and a lot of mental preparation.”
As the Lady Tigers prepare for this season, there are minor setbacks.
Young refers to the team as “kind of young, kind of old,” with six returning players and five incoming freshmen players.
Although the team lost three outstanding players, including SWAC MVP of the year Talon Morgan, who was one of the players Young described as poised and humble.
“She was one of the best athletes to ever touch the team,” said Young.
There is a lot of talent the team still has to offer.
Players to watch this upcoming season are, Kayla-Marie Williams, a senior from Toronto, Canada, who was one of the star players with her numerous digs and kills during the game. She was on the “SWAC All- Tournament team” in 2008.
Coach Young refers to Ashley Cooper, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, as an all around player. From setting to passing the ball, Cooper is a player that exemplifies great sportsmanship.
Showanna Davis, a junior from Houston, who specializes in playing the “middle” position, will assist the team to another great season.
The Lady Tigers were also led last year by a few game-impacting seniors who made great plays for the team.
Latisha Stennis was also a game impacting senior that the team will miss.
A year ago the Tigers won the Western Division Title for the fifth year in a row and was the number one seed in the SWAC tournament, but lost in the championships round to Alabama A&M.
The Tigers will take on Texas Christian University Friday.
In preparation for the game ,the team practices daily and although they have not seen their competition on tape, they have been paying close attention to the teams previous stats, starting players, and other things that may enhance their knowledge on TCU.
Young said that this is a new year. The team has a different mind set, new opportunities, new ideas and a new goal, which is to form a common bond.
The team is working to become faster, stronger, and more competitive.
Despite the mixed team, competing hard and winning games will be positive aspects of the Lady Tigers Volleyball team this season.