Kylie Moad had to cancel Tuesday morning's practice after coming down with the flu.
But other than that, the new Springdale High volleyball coach has enjoyed a smooth summer transitioning into her new role.
2014 Schedule
Date^Opponent
Aug. 25^Shiloh Christian
Aug. 26^Huntsville
Aug. 28^Van Buren
Sept. 4^at Rogers High*
Sept. 9^Rogers Heritage*
Sept. 11^Fort Smith Southside*
Sept. 13^Tri-State Challenge (at Fayetteville)
Sept. 16^at Bentonville*
Sept. 18^Fayetteville*
Sept. 20^Volley In The Valley (at Russellville)
Sept. 23^Fort Smith Northside*
Sept. 25^at Springdale Har-Ber*
Sept. 30^Rogers High*
Oct. 2^at Rogers Heritage*
Oct. 4^Fort Smith Invitational
Oct. 7^at Fort Smith Southside*
Oct. 9^Bentonville*
Oct. 14^at Fayetteville*
Oct. 16^at Fort Smith Northside*
Oct. 21^Springdale Har-Ber*
- 7A-West match
"I've been very pleased with the girls," Moad said. "They're working hard and coming along. I'm very excited about this upcoming season."
Moad, who previously coached at Springdale's George Junior High, inherits a junior-heavy team that returns most of its top talent from last season, which ended with a state tournament berth.
Outside hitter Desiree Mack (team-high 203 kills last year), middle blocker Ryann Goodsell (113 kills, team-high 63 blocks) and setter Maddie Mueller (team-high 369 assists) were key contributors for the Lady Bulldogs as sophomores. And now the trio is poised to assume leadership roles as juniors with a year of varsity experience.
But there is playing time up for grabs. There is a battle going on for playing time at several back-row positions.
"We are probably six or seven deep in our DS and libero," Moad said. "Competition is fierce right now for those spots. I've told them a hundred times, competition is good when you know what you're fighting for. That's one of the things we've been really focusing on."
Moad was already familiar with all three standouts from coaching them at George. But she's gotten valuable opportunities to evaluate the trio, along with the rest of the team, during team camps in Huntsville and Branson, Mo.
The Lady Bulldogs camped in Branson last week, finishing the week with a 4-3 record against stiff competition, including a 4-2 mark in pool play. Springdale narrowly lost to Mt. Zion, Ill., despite playing without Goodsell.
"It was a great experience," Moad said. "We played well together. We had the opportunity to do a lot of team bonding activities."
Springdale will compete in one more team camp Aug. 7 at Greenwood. The all-day camp will be another important learning experience against varsity competition for the youngest Lady Bulldog, freshman Elaina Pack.
"She's very good," Moad said. "She will be a key back-row player and even an outside hitter. She's starting for us. She's a huge addition to our team."
Springdale will open the season at home against Shiloh Christian on Aug. 25.
Sports on 07/25/2014