Upperman Volleyball Head Coach To Replace Five Seniors From Championship Team

The Upperman Volleyball team and head coach Wayne Lewis is replacing five seniors from last years historic district and region championship team.

“They are going to be hard to replace, but that’s history” Lewis said. “I only have three seniors and one junior out of 18 players. My three seniors are really good leaders. I think they are going to be the spark that keeps us going, and keeps us on the path.”

Lewis expects senior and returning libero Cassidy Nash to mentor and lead some young players this season, while his other two seniors are counted on to bring more experience.

“Seniors Amanda Warren and Oliva Taylor started as sophomores,” Lewis said. “They have lots of experience and they have played quality ball. When we got to state last year, they were not phased that we were there. This is another ball game. We are going to play and do our best, I’m looking for them to do that this year.”

The Bees were victims of slow starts last season. Lewis isn’t sure if this team will fall into that category or not this season, but he feels this year’s group is a little more motivated.

“Last year’s group knew they could win and had a pretty good grip on that,” Lewis said. “Our three seniors are level-headed. They don’t get too far down, they don’t get too far up. I think they will really help our young players and I think that will help all of them remain focused.”

Lewis will also rely on his younger players, as he has eight quality sophomores and three freshmen that will play varsity minutes this year.

“I’ve got some really good young players coming along too and I’m looking forward to working with them for a little longer,” Lewis said.