It has been a busy summer for the Winder-Barrow High School volleyball team and coach David Rows believes the potential is there for the program to show improvement during the upcoming season.
“I believe we will be much improved from the previous season,” Rows said. “We only lost two starters from last year’s team to graduation. We were very young with many of players being sophomores. We have a large junior class this year.”
Kaylee Moody, a setter for the Lady Doggs, has been participating in club play in Atlanta this summer.
A new region setup awaits WBHS this fall. Rows said Rockdale County is moving out of the region while Gainesville will now be a region foe.
“Rockdale County was a top team year in and year out, but Gainesville may be even stronger,” Rows said. “Gainesville has several players back from last season. I believe Apalachee will also be a contender this year. They have made the state tournament the last two seasons and their core group is still there.”
In setting goals for 2012, the WBHS coach said he hopes his team can finish in the top four of the new region setup.
“I would be pleased with that,” Rows said. “I expect a lot of improvement. If we can have a .500 season, that will be something to build on.”
The Lady Bulldoggs competed at various camps and venues this summer. WBHS competed at Flowery Branch along with South Forsyth, Dacula and Rockdale County.
“Even on our final day, we won three times,” Rows said. “That is an encouraging sign for us.”
Summer workouts began for the WBHS program in June. A ninth grade skills clinic was held averaging 30 players per night.
“We worked on teaching them basic skills of the sport,” Rows said. “Our varsity players were also there going through our rotation and working on getting back in shape.”
The WBHS coach said he is looking forward to returning to preseason practice.
“I definitely think we will see some improvements when we begin competing,” Rows said. “It’s a process for us and one that I believe will see our program take positive steps during the upcoming season. The players are eager for the new season.”
