The Ansley/Litchfield volleyball team is coming off a 14-16 season a year ago and a sub district final appearance. Head volleyball coach Jamee Smith took time to visit with KCNI/KBBN radio about the upcoming season. The Lady Spartans will be a young team this year but coach Smith has been pleased with the way the girls have bonded together as they prepare for the season.
One thing that has stuck out to coach Smith through fall camp thus far has been a “fearless” nature with which her team plays.
“I think what has been really fun for me as a coach has been this group of girls, the young ones especially just play fearless. They’re going all out for everything. I have always had hustlers in the past that worked really hard but I didn’t seem to have this case of fearlessness where they just lay out, throw their bodies and get anything that needs to be done.”
Coach Smith said the Spartans will not be a super tall team this year so they will have to play strong on the defensive end to reach their full potential.
“If we have a downfall that I have to pick up on is our height. All the freshmen coming in are averaging about 5’6″. So we are going to have to play some really good and awesome defense which I think we can and we’ll do to be competitive this year…We’re going to have to be a very smart team this year to be competitive and I think we can do it. I think we are going to do some great things.”
Ansley/Litchfield will open its season on August 24th when they host Amherst and Elm Creek for a triangular. The Lady Spartans will be featured on Central Nebraska’s Sports Source when they host Anselmo-Merna and Twin Loup for a triangular on August 31st and when they face Central Valley and Arcadia/Loup City for a triangular on September 12th.
Listen to our full interview with A/L head volleyball coach Jamee Smith.
