VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW: New coach at helm of PH volleyball squad

Each season is a fresh start, but for the Park Hill Volleyball team this especially rings true. In addition to graduating a large senior class last year and only returning a few girls with varsity experience, the Trojans will be led by a new head coach in 2010. After coaching at her alma mater of Oak Park on the JV level for three years followed by two years at Staley High, Coach Lindsey Hood is excited to take over a program with the chance to build onto instead of re-build.

“They had a good base and great coach last year,” Hood said. “So I’m just trying to take it over and run with the program.”

Returning for the Trojans are four seniors including Allysa Moran, Marylou Mixon, Ashlea Williams, and Paige Hultz. Junior libero Haley Knudsen returns as a floor leader. They’ll also look to Lindsay Grace for a presence at the net along with Molly Lien who will likely take on a key defensive role for the Trojans.

Although primarily an offensive player in college while a member of the UMKC volleyball team, Hood has focused her strategy as a coach on strong defense.

“I think it wins games,” Hood said. “If we’re smart players, then we can win quite a few."

While some coaches may feel the urge to overload their players with changes when taking over a new program, Hood has had her team focused on the little things so it is easy when it comes to game.

“If they push each other in practice and pay a lot of attention to detail, then later it comes natural,” Hood said.

Not everything has stayed the same with the new coach. Hood helped organize Park Hill’s first “Dig for the Cure” Game scheduled with Liberty North on September 21st to raise money and awareness to fight cancer. An event that has gained popularity throughout the country, Hood got the idea from North Kansas City’s similar district-wide event. After some research and inquiries, Park Hill and Liberty North came together to form what will hopefully become a yearly event.

“Since they’re a new school and I’m new to the program I thought ‘Let’s create the game,” Hood said.

Facing some of their regular season opponents in summer league, the Trojans feel confident they’ll be able to compete in some of the tough matches they’re set to play with the likes of Park Hill South, Liberty, Oak Park, and Kearney this season. Hesitant to make any predictions, Hood was sure of one thing.

“We’re going to be a great defensive team and we’re going to hustle like crazy,” Hood said. “That’s usually what my teams have been known for.”