MORGANTOWN — After a 2021-2022 campaign that saw the University High volleyball team finish with a record of 11-9, first-year head coach Nick Lusk says his group is one in which he sees much potential.
Despite the successful season in the win/loss column, the Hawks fell short of an appearance in the state tournament. With only three varsity players returning to the lineup, Lusk, replacing long-time coach Don Godfrey, will look to some of his younger players to step up.
“Unfortunately we only have three varsity players returning — seniors Sidney Reed, Lauren Brant and junior Ella Simpson, so we will be very young,” Lusk said. “However, I love the younger group we have coming back. We were able to pull some freshman up last year and get some experience like Katie Pilgrim and Ellie Underdonk, so I’m very excited to see our make-up this year.
“I think our two seniors will be great leaders for us this season. They both have varsity experience and they have already showed their leadership in our three-week period.”
Another factor that is different this year for UHS is the schedule they have built. After playing 20 games last year, the Hawks now have 26 scheduled games against other schools, with the potential for up to 30 games to be completed with the OVAC conference semi and championship finals. Lusk sees this as a huge strength for his girls.
“I think we’ve actually added to our schedule this year,” he said. “I think it will be a little bit tougher than last year. We added some tournaments against great competition and I think it will just prepare us for the long season.”
Lusk is also the coach for the UHS girls’ basketball team, and like the roster he has for volleyball, the basketball roster lacked the senior experience. He is used to coaching a team that may have a little more youth on the court, and no matter what age/grade someone is in, playing for UHS means the same for all.
“I think it means a lot to these girls to be a part of this team,” Lusk said. “I know how disappointed they were last year with not making the state tournament. They know the history of our program and they have been working hard in the offseason to get back to the state tournament.
“We just need to continue to work hard and improve each and every match. If we do that, I think in the end we will be happy with our results.”
The Hawks will begin the season hosting a quad matchup as they play host to Clay-Battelle, Buckhannon-Upshur and East Fairmont on Sept 1. First serve is set for 5 p.m. between the Hawks and the Cee-Bees.
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