The lady Devildog volleyball team has put in their fair share of hours during the summer, and they were excited to get on the court and play against someone other than themselves this school year. Coaches Holly Bowser and Heather Foster have been installing a playoff caliber team at Travelers Rest for years now, and this year is not an exception.  Coach Holly Bowser believes that this will be a building year for the team and intends to “focus on teaching the fundamentals of volleyball to this young team and build on that foundation.”

Last season’s squad was very senior heavy, losing six players to college including graduate Aidan Rhorer, who is continuing her volleyball career at Limestone College. The lady Devildogs welcome many new faces to this year’s team including one eighth-grader Ali Hartin.

To make up for these losses, this year’s captains expect nothing short of full effort from their fellow teammates. Senior Kelsey White-Kennedy, junior Madison Bruce and junior Claire Windsor can’t wait to see what their new squad can achieve this season. Windsor says, “Our young team this year has shown a tremendous amount of individual and overall growth and potential. I am excited to watch our team ascend in our understanding of the game and each other.”

The younger team members have expectations for the team too. “My expectations for this season are to build and grow together,” said sophomore Alliah Woodard. This year looks to be one of rebuilding for the lady Devildog volleyball team. However, with a strong coaching staff and foundation, they continue to grow. They started the year with a competitive preseason schedule including a weekend showing at the Eastside High School Invitational where they progressed to the championship game in their bracket play.  Coach Holly Bowser says that she is “very pleased with the team’s growth as a unit and individuals. We have been plagued by injuries so we are working to stay healthy.”  

The JV and Varsity teams will host their annual Pink Out Game, where they have fundraisers for breast cancer awareness and research, on October 4th as they take on the Blue Ridge Tigers.  They encourage everyone to come out and support this cause.  The event will include a bake sale, half-time presentation, and the opportunity to participate in fundraising games and win prizes including t-shirts, gift-cards, and various other items.