Special To SMT
By Richard Forshee
Richland Rebel Yeller Staff

ESSEX - Led by new coaches, the Richland High School volleyball team prepares to meet the 2011-12 season by putting in lots of hard work.

With new coaches - Lisa Taylor and Stephanie DePew - the Richland volleyball players started practice as soon as school began. The team is ready to spike down their competition every chance they get! The new Varsity and Junior Varsity teams are already serving up a good combination for some great volleyball.

Take a new season, add in new coaches, mix in some new players and we have an awesome recipe for Rebel Volleyball. But that’s not all you needed or expected.

“I expect for our girls to work hard to become the best they can be,” said Taylor. “I expect that all of their hard work will pay off on the court.”

DePew agrees. “I expect the girls to continue to work hard, and to improve throughout the season,” DePew said.

Although official practices have just begun, the girls on the team aren’t out of shape. In fact, they were getting in shape all summer.

“We had a team camp this summer and the girls worked on the fundamentals of the game,”said Taylor. “Also, practices have been very intense and the girls have responded well to the challenge.”

Taylor and DePew are dedicated to working hard side-by-side to make the best season they can with the young Lady Rebels. Not just on the game, but also the teamwork.

“We are working on fundamentals, communication, and working as a team,” said DePew.

The girls have definitely been working hard, but this team is not all work and no play.

“I expect for a couple more wins than last year because we are all returning players,” said senior Shelby Lampkin. “I also think we will have loads of fun!”

The Richland Volleyball team is hosting a Gatorade Scrimmage game, scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25.

The team’s first conference game is against Dexter at home, at 6 p.m., Aug. 29.

“Come out and see us!” both Coach Taylor and Coach DePew said to all fans!