(This article first appeared in the August print edition of the Hendersonian.)
The mission of Henderson County volleyball is clear this season.
“A big key is trust and playing together,” said senior Ella Whitledge. We struggled with that in the past. I think a lot of tools we are using outside of practice are helping us with that.”
Second-year head coach Kelli Harris is optimistic that her team can bounce back and have a successful season after a disappointing 15-17 finish in 2024 which saw the team lose in the district championship.
The Colonels had won every district title since 2010, aside from 2020 when the team had to forfeit the championship game due to being in quarantine from a positive COVID-19 test.
Harris did not shy away from the reality of the situation.
“Obviously the ‘Henderson County Way’ means they want us to be at state. I’m going to work with the girls to do that, but I also have the talent to be able to do it as well,” said Harris. “Whatever happened in the past is in the past and we are moving forward working for this one goal.”
Why is Harris so optimistic? She has implemented a new regimen consisting of high expectations, player mindfulness and team bonding.
The team began practice, as it does every time, with a 20-minute mindfulness session, in which players reflected on past performances and then worked together to set goals and create action plans. Harris’ hope is that the program, which she stated was written by a volleyball coach and mindfulness trainer, helps the girls both on the court and in life in general.
To strengthen the team’s bond, the coaches and players have participated in various team-building activities. In June, the team competed in its own version of The Amazing Race in which players had to complete a series of challenges in the gym. In July, the team traveled to the Brain Injury Camp in Robards, where they enhanced their communication and teamwork.
“We never have done that before,” said senior Gabrielle Melvin. “It definitely showed us how to work as a team and that you need each person to work together. Our trust in each other has definitely grown.”
Harris is no stranger to coaching success, despite not having extensive playing experience. She comes from Grayson County, where in two separate coaching stints spanning 12 years, she was responsible for six district championships.
“She has a very good mindset for our team and knows what she is doing,” said senior Kamryn Raley. “Our entire program really trusts her.”
The Cols will be without three seniors from last year in Ava Stott, Grace Galbraith, and Hadley Knight. According to KHSAA, Stott was second on the team in kills with 138. Galbraith’s 301 assists were also good for second on the team.
Harris plans to replace their leadership with what she calls a captains’ council, which will be voted on by the players. She hopes players such as Whitledge, Melvin and Raley will bring a variety of strengths to the table that will allow their team to reach its fullest potential.
“They’re going to define what a leader looks like and they’ll be able to pick those. One person may be better at communicating. One player may be the hype person. There will be different jobs,” said Harris.
Make no doubt about it, Harris expects to win big and return to the state tournament for the first time since 2021.
“They’ve got to play as one and trust each other,” Harris said. “We didn’t win the district, but we’re better than that. Winning region and going to state should be the goal here.”
HCHS Volleyball will begin its regular season on August 21 at University Heights. The first home game will be August 26 when the Cols host Webster County.
