Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
With a banner season last year, Richmond Hill’s girls’ volleyball team was anxious to get their season started this year.
They posted a 40-3 overall record, captured their fourth consecutive Region 1-6A Championship, and advanced to the Elite Eight in the state playoffs. In addition, they remained ranked in the Top 10 in Class 6A throughout the entire season and ultimately finished among the state's top teams.
Head coach Danielle Ennis is guiding her team through two-hour, open-gym sessions every Tuesday and Thursday to help lay some groundwork for the upcoming season.
It already has been a busy and productive offseason for the Wildcats.
“Our athletes participate in strength and conditioning training for one hour on those same days,” said Ennis. “These workouts provide valuable opportunities for skill development, team chemistry, and physical preparation for the upcoming season.”
Ennis has been impressed with her teams’ dedication to their workouts and their summer commitments.
“We have had an excellent turnout at our summer workouts,” said Ennis, a former three-sport Richmond Hill standout who is in her second-year at the helm. “Our athletes are extremely committed to both the program and the sport. The only absences we typically see are due to volleyball camps or club tournament commitments.
“Nearly every player on both our varsity and JV teams participates in club volleyball, which provides additional opportunities for growth and competition during the offseason.”
The Wildcats also welcomed 80 elementary students to the day camp June 3-5 at the high school. Ennis confirmed that it was the largest ever turnout.
“That was fantastic,” said Ennis. “It was great to see so many boys and girls passionate about volleyball. Their excitement and dedication make the future of the RHHS volleyball program very promising.”
Ennis stated that her team doesn’t have any summer tournaments scheduled, but they will participate in a two-day clinic at Georgia Southern (July 20-21). They also will host a scrimmage against Effingham, Islands, and Johnson June 17th, and host a second scrimmage July 15th against the same teams.
The Wildcats graduated a class of 10 seniors, and Ennis will lean on returning starters seniors Kailah King and Alexa Anderson. Other returning hitters include fellow seniors Raeden Sander, Sydney Carmichael, and Gabby Mondesir.
“Alexa is an exceptionally versatile player who contributes both offensively and defensively, making her a key leader on the court,” said Ennis. “King is a strong middle who can also play the right side too.”
With a core of key returnees leading the way, Ennis is confident her team will fill some holes.
“We graduated a very talented senior class of 10 athletes, so there will be some new faces stepping into key roles this year,” said Ennis. “While replacing that experience is a challenge, we're excited about the opportunities for our younger players to make an impact.”
Ennis also will look to a promising group of incoming freshmen to further infuse the program.
“We have a very strong freshman class entering the program this year,” said Ennis. “With several JV players moving up to varsity, JV returns only four players, but the incoming freshmen bring a great deal of talent and athleticism. Their fundamental skills are already strong, and they will help maintain a solid foundation for the future success of our volleyball program.”
Even though the start of the season is roughly two months away, Ennis has a good feeling about the prospects ahead.
“Despite graduating a large senior class, we expect to remain highly competitive this fall and contend for another strong finish in our region,” stressed Ennis. “We have several talented players ready to step into larger roles, and our JV program has consistently developed athletes who are prepared to compete at the varsity level.
“While there will be a period of transition, we are confident in the talent, work ethic, and depth of this team and expect to continue building on the success of our program.”