ALTAMONT — Bringing back nearly every contributor to the roster, the Labette County Grizzlies hope to put last year’s eight-win volleyball season in the rearview mirror.
“We focused on competing in the offseason,” Labette County third-year head coach Leigh Ann Phillips said. “We also wanted to work on teambuilding this summer. Our motto this year is ‘we over me.’ That’s a big thing we’ve pushed, because we have to focus on what we can do as a team and not as individuals.”
Trusting herself for in-match changes and a larger emphasis on a team culture were Phillips’ priorities in revamping the Grizzlies.
“In previous years, we didn’t have the focus on a team perspective,” Phillips said. “That was my biggest focus this offseason. I want the girls to fight for each other, and not with each other. My big thing lately, too, is making myself more willing to make a change. You can get stuck with the six on the floor and be hesitant to make a change between sets. I want to be more cognizant of committing to a change and knowing it’ll be OK.”
Phillips also believes having over half a dozen seniors will propel Labette County forward.
“Maturity and leadership are huge for us,” Phillips said. “Our seniors have bought into the system. They’ve got positivity and kindness that’s made a difference. Having seven seniors is huge for us. And the eight wins last year don’t define them. We have the potential to do really great things.”
Senior Amery Baker returns after leading Labette County with 295 kills a year ago. She was also second in digs (314) and assists (215). “She knows she’s my floor general,” Phillips said. “We have to talk through what things look like on the floor. With her volleyball IQ, she knows what needs to happen. That’ll help us have a quicker offense this year. She’s got more confidence this year. She can pretty much do everything you need her to do out there. I’m super excited to get her out on the floor.”
Malaya Broadwell also comes back after leading the Grizzlies with 448 digs.
“She’s come out and lived as a libero ever since she stepped on the floor,” Phillips said. “She’s really come into a leadership role. That’ll take her a long way this year. She knows any ball in the back row is her ball. We’re switching up our defense a little bit so she’ll see even more balls hit her way.”
Macie Morin, who tallied 307 assists last fall, will be a pivotal piece for the Grizzlies.
“She’s worked hard on her sets,” Phillips said. “She’s trying to get out there and work on where she needs to be consistent. She’s also coming along as a leader. I look for a lot of big things from her. She’s going to have to be on whenever she’s setting.”
The Grizzlies hope to make headway in the SEK League this campaign.
“We can do some things in the league this year, but it’s going to take solid technique and doing things the right way,” Phillips said. “We’re training up a lot of different options so we’re not as one-dimensional. We want more back-row attacking to throw teams out of rhythm.”
