Young Lady Wolverines look to improve from last year

SWITZ CITY -- The 2009 White River Valley volleyball team members are front row (from left) Lydia Miller, Jasmine May, Megan Lemmons, Paige Hoffeditz and Kim Wheelock. Back row (from left) Amanda Mowery, Jaycie Gouckenour, Sydney Kail Miranda Dupire and Tayler Kail. (By Travis David/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

"We are very optimistic going into this season," Graves said. "The girls have worked really hard in the off season and have gotten in good shape so once practice started we were really able to focus on improving our game."

Graves also mentioned she along with assistant coach Jennifer Wall learned a valuable lesson last season which should help with the success of the team this year.

"We have adjusted our coaching style to meet the needs of this team," said Graves. "The dynamic of this team is very different than last year's team. It is nice coming into our second year of coaching because the girls all knew what to expect and there were very few adjustments."

Returning players, seniors Tayler Kail and Miranda Dupire have been named the captains of the Lady Wolverine spikers this season.

"The two of them are emerging as great leaders and we expect a lot from each of them," Graves said.

Sophomore Jasmine May will also be looked upon to lead the team as well. May earned a starting role for most of last season.

"Jasmine will be our setter and she will run the show on the court this year," coach Graves said. "I am looking forward to see how well she steps into that role as the season progresses."

Graves also mentioned she expects two more sophomores to play a vital role in the team success this season. Jaycie Goukenour and Lydia Miller both seen more than limited action last season on the court as freshmen.

"I am excited to see Lydia and Jaycie this season," she said. "I think they will be two players to watch for. They both benefited from varsity playing time last season and are doing really well in hitting roles this year in practice."

The coaching staff is also excited about the incoming freshmen class, led by Sydney Kail.

"Sydney is coming into our program this year and is going to be a big part of our offense," Graves said. "She is tall, tough and has the potential to be a great leader as well.

"Paige Hoffeditz, Megan Lemmons and Kim Wheelock are three more freshmen that will contribute and have shown great improvement over the course of the summer."

Junior Amanda Mowery rounds out the 10-player roster of the Lady Wolverines. Mowery will be a backrow defensive specialist.

"Amanda will primarily be playing backrow for us," Graves said. "And she is such an encourager and her presence is important."

With only 10 girls on the team this year, the Wolverines will play a varsity-only schedule. Graves said she would obviously like to have a junior-varsity program again this season, but it is what it is.

"The numbers just are not there this year," she said. "But I am happy with the girls that I do have out. They are all committed to our team and the program and are all working really hard.

"We are still hungry for that sectional title, being that it's been many years since WRV has brought one home. This could be our year."

White River Valley

Volleyball roster

No. Name Gr.

Coach: Kristi Graves (second season).