The Grand Ledge Boys Volleyball is heading into its third year at Grand Ledge High School (GLHS). The team is ready to get the season started and the coaches this year are very optimistic about how the season will go.
“The boys we have participated in have been so coachable and excited to be in the gym, so I predict that we will do well this year! We were able to do some out-of-season work this past year too so that has given us a head start so far,” said Assistant Coach Jess Tyrer.
Since the team is only in its third year, when seniors graduate and leave the team, their absence is heavily felt. Many of the players who have graduated have been there to help hold the team together and keep the chemistry going throughout all the years. Even though players have left, the team still has some players that have been there since the first year. These players have helped to build chemistry that the team utilizes to grow and evolve.
“Volleyball is a team sport so communication drives cohesiveness, which we have been highlighting this year. Communication not only fosters successful volleyball strategies but also team relationships. This helps build trust on the court between the players and also between coaches and players. Getting to know the game and each other has been impactful in us learning to work together,” Tyrer explained.
When players leave it creates a lack of leadership which the team has been facing, but this just creates a need for players to step into roles of leadership. Some of the players who have been here for multiple years have been realizing the lack of leadership and have taken the responsibility of stepping into these roles for the season.
Many of the new players are not familiar with volleyball and have to learn from the beginning how to play. But many players are putting their efforts 100% into learning how to play and work with their team.
Tyrer explained from a coaches standpoint at practices, “the boys are always going after the ball, even when they are not 100% sure on what to do or what comes next.”
“We have a few new faces this year and sometimes volleyball can be an intimidating sport for newcomers, especially when there are also a lot of experienced players in the gym. I have been impressed with the willingness to try and learn from all of our athletes at practice. Games started April 8 [2024] and will go on through May,” Tyrer said.
