The Selma Times-Journal

John T. Morgan Academy’s volleyball coach of two years, Carrie Nichols, says that her team has a long way to go. “I want to do as good as or even better than last year,” says Nichols.

Coach Nichols led the varsity senators to a 16-2 season last year and they finished 3rd in the state. The junior varsity had a record of 10-4. Also, the team made it to state for the first time in 10 years under the coaching of Nichols.

The Senators began practice officially on July 27 and so far, so good.

“We are spending most of our time learning new rotations,” Nichols said. “Also we are focusing a lot on basics such as passing and serving. We’re working hard and improving.”

In practice you will find the coach practicing right along with the players themselves.

As Nichols put it, she has a very unorthodox way of coaching.

“I don’t want to be a dictator. I’ll show them and play with them,” she says.

And as the team’s record show, it genuinely pays off.

Some girls to watch for on the court are Jaye Lyn Lawrence, Hannah Mason and Sarah Hughey, who begin their first scrimmage game on Aug. 15 against Kingwood Christian.

The first official game is Aug. 21.