The Centerburg girls volleyball team came off an impressive 17-6 season, which was the best record for the Trojans since they went 20-3 in 2012.
This year the team is hoping to have more success led by Stella Weisbrod, a four-year varsity player who is coming off a first-team All-Conference and second-team All-District nod.
"Looking at this year, it would be difficult not to mention the strength that Stella Weisbrod brings to our team," said Centerburg head coach Abigail Boudinot, who added, "We are very excited over here at Centerburg."
She is looking forward to bringing back a core group consisting of Weisbrod and returning starters Kennedi Glenn, who was honorable mention All-District and second-team All-KMAC, and Clara Johnson and Katie Johnson.
Weisbrod led the team with 230 kills and 237 digs. Clara Johnson and Glenn both did their share of setting in their junior seasons with 389 and 232 assists respectively. Glenn also recorded 129 kills, 163 digs and 50 aces. Katie Johnson had 163 digs on the year.
"I have high expectations for this group, and they have risen to the challenges I have set for them," Boudinot said "They are a very hard-working and driven team and I am excited to see where they can take that passion."
The team loses several key contributors, such as middle-hitter Gwyn Sands. Sands was first-team All-KMAC and was second on the team in kills with 174 and first in kills percentage at 37.7%.
She also led the team with 58 blocks and had 66 digs. Amani Marshall also graduated and had 118 kills. Autumn Kennedy will be missed as she had 96 kills. Also lost are defensive specialist Emma McCombs, libero/defensive specialist Eva Joering and Olivea Joiner.
Boudinot brings 17 years of coaching experience ranging from club to the collegiate level. This is her third year coaching the Trojans.
She said that her coaching style has been influenced by her past coaches, specifically in the area of ball control. This season she said her team will most likely run a 6-2 offense as it has in years past.
"I am a true believer in running the system that works for your athletes and not making your athletes run the system you feel comfortable with," Boudinot said.
The first match of the season for the Trojans is at Bishop Ready starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 19. They will travel to Northmor on August 22 at 6:30 p.m. and then play at their home gym on August 24 at 6:30 p.m.
