The Selma Times-Journal

The volleyball court has a new team on its hands this year.

Marion Academy and Marion Military Institute joined forces this year to form the new Marion Schools volleyball team.

Volleyball coach Carly Nichols says that the girls have overcome the changes, though.

It seems that this collision is a great team in the making.

“The best and most encouraging thing is the way the girls on the team come together,” says Nichols.

Practice for the brand new team started on July 31. Added Nichols: “It’s going very well for the girls from both campuses.”

With a new school came a new interest in the volleyball team. Many girls who have never even played the game have wanted to participate.

The junior varsity this year is really young and inexperienced.

“We are working hard on the fundamentals of the game,” Nichols said. “As a coach, dealing with behind-the-scene things with (athletic director) Dr. (Michelle) Ivey has been great, and we have worked well together.”

This coach also wants to interact with the girls.

“I do most everything that they do. If you get in the trenches with them, they respond better. I am tough to a point, though.”

The new team has great expectation for this season.

Nichols said that they want to do very well.

“I want to get the new players in the game and enjoying it this year. Like any other team, we just want to win,” said Nichols.

The Marion Schools girls will have their first game on August 29 against Sumter Academy.