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Lady Champion volleyball gearing up for Year 2

By WILL CARTER ~ For the T-G
Posted 8/5/21

Cascade High School has long been known across the state for being competitive in the traditional sports. Numerous teams have made runs into the postseason and given fans and family something to look forward to on any given gameday. Last year, the Champion faithful were introduced to the sport of volleyball, and thus a new program to cheer for...

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Lady Champion volleyball gearing up for Year 2

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Cascade High School has long been known across the state for being competitive in the traditional sports.

Numerous teams have made runs into the postseason and given fans and family something to look forward to on any given gameday.

Last year, the Champion faithful were introduced to the sport of volleyball, and thus a new program to cheer for.

Many in the past have entertained the idea of implementing a volleyball program, but it wasn’t until the new school on Fairfield Pike was built that the idea came to fruition.

The first season of Lady Champion volleyball was an introduction period for most, and the pandemic didn’t make it any easier.

Heading into Year 2, Coach Kendall Hampton is grateful to have had a normal summer of practices and camps with other schools.

“Time on the court against other people besides our own players has been huge for us,” Hampton said.

“That time really showed us the areas we needed to improve in, and what areas we were doing really well in. That time was very valuable this year compared to last year.”

With volleyball on the brink of its second season in school history, most of the players were brand new to the sport when it was introduced.

The most important part of any sport is the fundamentals of the game.

Hampton is glad her players have learned the game and are ready to compete.

“This has been the first year since we started the volleyball program where all of the players had experience.”

“We have been able to focus more on play on the court since everyone knows the basics of the game.

Leadership is important in any sport played, but especially in volleyball.

Every match is filled with intensity and high emotions, so having leadership is vital to keep everyone level-headed.

For the Lady Champions, it is even more important with how young the program and team is overall.

Luckily, Hampton has a veteran of the game that she can look to on the court in senior Caroline McKamey.

“We are blessed to have her after she transferred over from Shelbyville with the volleyball experience she possesses.”

“She loves this sport and puts everything into it.”

McKamey is more than just a leader.

She has played volleyball for most of her life and developed strength in her hits.

“There’s no question that when she’s on the floor that everyone is going to dodge that ball coming off her hand,” Hampton said.

Heading into year two, Hampton has one goal in mind for her team.

Match the level of competition.

“Our goal is to match the level of teams this yea, and take them to five games instead of four.”

“I have confidence with the way we have had a preseason and normal summer that we’ll have a chance against older programs this season.”