Molly Raley
Managing Editor
The Southeastern volleyball team will be opening their 2014 season Sep. 5 when they travel to Arkadelphia, Ark. for the Lady Reddie College Classic.
With the season soon approaching, the Savage Storm has been preparing with a new coach who has high expectations for her squad.
Brianna Barry took over the head coach position when Jenn King resigned. Barry was a graduate assistant last year and soon became the head coach when Athletic Director Keith Baxter assigned her the top position.
“We are going to throw a lot of different things at the girls,” said Barry. “So far they have reacted very well.”
Barry and graduate assistant Kuulei Kabalis-Bianconi are looking to take their experience as college players to make an impact at not only Southeastern but also in the Great American Conference.
“I am taking everything I learned playing college and professionally and using that to help the girls I coach now,” said Barry.
According to Barry, this year the seniors are going to be very important to accomplishing their goal of winning the conference.
“The seniors have taken the underclassmen under their wings so to speak and really helped guide them,” said Barry. “They are going to help keep everyone on the same page and Southeastern volleyball can do big things because of them.”
Returning for their senior season are Emily Gentle, Madelynne Cera, Ariel Sanders, Courtney Miller and Kelsey Zerkel.
The Savage Storm had 12 girls returning to the squad, but is also going to add four freshmen to the mix. Alissa Benson, Kwameshia Darden, Bayley Cook and Charlene Nerio are all freshmen who Barry expects to make great improvements throughout the season and add a lot to the team.
“The freshman are mixing in very well and they are all potential starters,” said Barry.
The squad finished their 2013 season with a 13-18 overall record and a 7-7 Great American Conference record.
With a new coach and good leadership, the Southeastern volleyball team takes the court for their first match of the season Sept. 5 against Union University out of Tennessee and Fort Hays State from Kansas.
