Twenty-seven girls will represent the Hawks on the volleyball court this year. New coach Jayme Deal will be at the helm of the varsity squad, and L-S Coach Kyra Smith will be the new JV team leader. The girls got a taste of game-like settings at the Gatorade scrimmage last Friday and a scrimmage versus Eddyville-Blakesburg last Saturday. The real competition begins this Tuesday, Aug. 30, when the Hawks battle at Collins-Maxwell-Baxter. 

The following Q-and-A interview with L-S Coach Deal previews the team.

1. When did practices start?
   

   
   

We had open gyms throughout the summer, then a camp that started Aug. 8 and ended Aug. 12. Two-a-days started Aug. 15.

2. What strengths do you see in your team? How about areas to improve?

The biggest strength these girls have is their will to never stop. They have taken all my instruction and have done everything I have asked them to do and have improved tremendously over the last two weeks. They all are very competitive and have awesome attitudes to go with that competitiveness. We need to work on blocking, block coverage, and serve receive.

3. Who will you be looking to as leaders on the team?

I always look at my seniors – regardless if they are playing or not, they are so important to a team dynamic. I also look to my setter – I consider her the quarterback on the court.

4. Has the team set any goals for the year?
   

   
   

Our seasonal goal would be to make it to the state tournament.

5. What other insights do you have on the season ahead?

These girls have one of the best work ethics – as a whole team – that I have seen. They hardly complain when I have them do conditioning!