SPRINGDALE — Two-a-day practices are something generally referred to when mentioning football workouts, but the Springdale Har-Ber volleyball team is taking full advantage of its time on the court this summer.
Har-Ber wrapped up two-a-days earlier this week and has now settled in to a more regular afternoon practice schedule as it prepares to build on a successful 2010 campaign. The Lady Wildcats reached the semifinals of the Class 7A State Tournament.
Har-Ber played in two tournaments in the state of Missouri: one at Missouri State University in Springfield, the other in Branson in July. Facing stiff competition, Har-Ber coach Sandy Jones said it helped her team focus as the 2011 season grows close.
“We don’t play a lot of volleyball in June, so coming back in July, it really helps us get back into the swing of things and gets us all back into game mode,” Jones said.
One player Jones felt showed big improvements over the past two months was senior Summer Morgan.
The 6-foot-2 Morgan, who verbally committed in May to play at the University of Arkansas in 2012, anchors the Lady Wildcats at middle blocker and is able to take a new mindset into this upcoming season.
“I still worked out really hard, but this summer wasn’t as stressful as it was before, not knowing where I was going to go to college,” Morgan said. “It’s easier now that I’m going to Arkansas and knowing that’s what I want to do.”
Morgan is one of 10 seniors on a Har-Ber team which Jones said is the most experienced, in terms of eligibility, that the Lady Wildcats have had in program history.
In years past, Jones had to pull underclassmen up to the varsity level, but that’s not the case this fall — with the exception of one player.
Sophomore Emily Coats has impressed her coach with her athleticism on the right side of the net, earning her an opportunity to play with the varsity in camps and tournaments over the course of the summer. It’s also helped her make a smooth transition before the Lady Wildcats start their season.
“I’ve never played with these girls, so it has been good to learn about each other and how we all play. It helps a lot,” said the 5-foot-9 Coats. “I just want to prove that I can play with the big girls.”
That chance will come with Har-Ber hosts Greenwood on Aug. 25 to serve up the season.