New GHS volleyball coach promoting team concept

“Becoming a team has been a focus of mine since taking the job,” said new Galva High School head volleyball coach Marcy (Spring) Strand.

Strand, a 1998 ROWVA High School graduate, was named to the position early last month. She replaces Tara Bahnks, who resigned her teaching and coaching positions ealier in the summer.

“From what I understand, there were some teamwork and other issues last season,” said Strand, who is married to Ben Strand. “I  have stressed the team concept right from the start, when I met the girls the first time. “They have really responded well and are coming together as a team, which is really nice to see.”

The new Lady Cats’ coach said the five seniors on the squad, which finished 1-10 in the Lincoln Trail Conference last season, have “all stepped it up and really have helped the younger players. And the juniors have as well. I couldn’t be more pleased.”

Seniors include co-captains Ashley and Nicole Thomson, who are sisters, and Geri Lister, Amber Melhouse and  Samantha Novotny. Juniors are Shannon Clark, Chloe McIntire and Morgan Nelson.

Several players from the fresh-soph squad could be added to the varsity team as the season progresses, Strand said.

The Lady Cats’ high school volleyball program includes 18 players.

“(Assistant coach Jordan Bates) said the girls really have stepped it up on the floor too,” Strand said. “He said their hitting and defensive skills have really improved.” Bates was in charge of  workouts during the summer.

To carry the team concept throughout the program, the junior high teams practice with the varsity once a week.

“This keeps everyone on the same page,” she said.

Strand is anxious to see how her team performs on the floor.

“I have completely changed things, so we’ll see how we adjust to it,” she said.

The Lady Cats opened the season Tuesday at home against Westmer in an LTC match (too late for press time) and will host DePue tonight (Thursday).