Mike Shay and the Bethlehem volleyball team have big expectations this season, and the Banshees know the target is on their backs after winning the 19th District Tournament last year.
But they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Bethlehem has what it takes to remain the top team in the district, though the Banshees know nothing will just be handed to them.
“I have learned that we’re a very diverse team with a lot of talent, experience and options to help us succeed at the highest level,” Shay said. “The preseason was very beneficial for us because we were able to see how much talent we have and how the players have been working hard to improve their game during the off season.”
Bethlehem, which went 28-9 and advanced to the 5th Region Tournament semifinals last season, brings back all but five seniors from a year ago.
Key returning players are senior setter Matti Deopere, senior defensive specialist Maddy Krill, senior opposite side hitter Sloane Smith, senior middle blocker Alexis Lanz, sophomore middle blocker Brooklyn Yates and sophomore outside hitters Blair O’Bryan and Evelyn Ballard.
Rounding out the roster are newcomers, Avery Jennings, Chloe Hutchins, Kyli Davidson, Julia McDonald, Gabby Bellesario, Vanessa Canterna, Makenzie Sinclair, Lainie Medley, Isabella Antle and Olivia Elder.
Shay said he really likes the makeup of his team between the returning player and those who are new to the varsity level.
“This team is very strong with more talent than we had in the past years,” he said. “We are very diversified with a lot more talent and options to help us succeed.”
Shay is especially excited about the squad’s freshman group.
While they are young and inexperienced, he believes the future of the team is in good hands going forward.
“Our freshman team has a lot of talent and potential to do great things at Bethlehem,” Shay sad. “And during the preseason, we make sure all the upperclassmen practice with them and do team bonding with the freshmen and that makes things so much easier for them to feel welcome and loved at Bethlehem. We want their experience at Bethlehem to be the best.”
After advancing to the region semifinals last season, the Banshees have their sights set even higher this year.
Not only do they want to challenge for their second straight district title, but they also want to make a run at the region championship and the spot in the state tournament that comes with it.
“Our goals are to win the region and move on to state,” Shay said. “But we must focus on one game at a time. We achieve this by playing as a team and being the most aggressive team, working hard and focusing on mastering our craft.
“I am looking forward to just watching this varsity team do what they love, and that’s playing this game at the highest level possible,” he added. “I’ve loved watching them grow into a team of one that has a passion and love for the game and for each other.”