Oak Ridge volleyball team young, but getting faster, more aggressive
Year Two: A year ago, Oak Ridge High School Head Volleyball Coach Audrey Sherles replaced longtime coach Dave Kolodney, and the 2011 ORHS grad led the Lady 'Cats to a 16-9 regular season and a berth in the Region 2 Tournament. Her sister Alex, another former Oak Ridge star, returns this year as her assistant coach, and expectations are high for a young squad that has no seniors on the roster. A former ORHS record holder, Sherles says that this year’s team is young, but is adapting both to the program’s increased expectations and also a faster and more aggressive offense. Coach Sherles acknowledges that “building a program is about a sense of consistency. We can’t change too much all at once from year to year.” But each year’s incremental changes drive the Lady 'Cats toward bigger things - berths in the region tournament and beyond.
Impact players
Peyton Uptgraft (Junior): The all-star setter led the team in assists and set a new school record last year as a sophomore. Uptgraft has a ton of experience “in the hot seat” and has great composure under pressure. Developing into a strong leader as a junior on a young team.
Marissa Kenworthy (Junior): The libero is the “team firecracker.” She’s quick on her feet, quick thinking, and fearless, all qualities you need for a libero and leader in the backcourt.
Camryn McGinnis (Freshman): A middle blocker, the rising freshman has great strength through her arm and intensity at the net. Standout hitter who’s adapting well to the fast-paced offense. She’s quiet, which helps her keep her composure on the court.
Christian McGinnis (Sophomore): Camryn’s older sister. A powerful opposite hitter learning to play middle blocker. Height and read give her an advantage at the net on defense.
Morgan Gilbert (Freshman): Another transfer, the middle blocker from Arizona is an aggressive presence at the net. A vocal leader even as a freshman.
Heidi Wayland (Sophomore): A defensive specialist, last year’s junior varsity captain has improved significantly and will help the Lady 'Cats.
The district
A Shifting AAA District 3: Redistricting means that the landscape of District 3 looks a little different this year, as West has moved to District 4. Additionally, Halls and Karns have new coaches, so the district has a bunch of unknowns - including a young Oak Ridge team with a load of new players. Given such uncertainty, Sherles doesn’t necessarily see a favorite for the district title, although she knows that arch-rival Clinton will be a significant obstacle.
Same Old Region 2: To move on during tournament season, the 'Cats will have to get through Farragut, Hardin Valley, Heritage, and Maryville. Oak Ridge plays each of these teams during the regular season.
Allen Etheridge is the Oak Ridge High School assistant athletic director and sports information director.
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge volleyball team young, but getting faster, more aggressive
