The Belgreen JV and varsity volleyball teams have been chosen for the 2017-2018 season.

Last season was the best season in the six-year program for the Lady Bulldogs. The varsity team ended the season 16-14 with its fourth trip in a row to Super-Regionals and its first trip to the Sweet 16. Coach Teresa Whitten, who has been the head coach for the last five years, left Super-Regionals full of optimism. 

“I understood when I became the coach that it would be a process. Building a program is tough, but if I continually preach ‘process,’ then we can evaluate our success in whether or not we are continually growing and meeting goals,” Whitten said. “Although we lost to the No. 2 team in the state, Decatur Heritage, we played very well. Many times there were only ninth and tenth graders on the court for Belgreen; that was encouraging.

“We are going to build on what we did that day, correcting areas we could have executed better. I have high expectations for this upcoming team and cannot wait to see what this team can do this season.”

The JV has only three returning players: Bailey Oliver, Kaley Chandler and Nora Castillo. Several new players Whitten said she believes will be a great addition to the program are Megan Smith, Maria Estrada, Emmie Scott, Makayla Lane, Kelsey Wilson, Ella Wiginton, Noelle Willingham and Alyssa Ivy. 

Several JV players who attended Super-Regionals last year will be moving up to varsity. Emma Dempsey, Gracie Dempsey and Bailey Wood join varsity returners Autumn Bragwell, Katie Dempsey, Ansley Tate, Kaycee Wilson and Camie Terrell. The varsity has a returning senior, Callie Barber, and newcomer Hailey Vandervort, who will also be a senior. 

Practices begin next week, and Whitten said Belgreen will host a summer play date with several schools July 11. Both teams will have several play dates during the month of July. 

The season kicks off Aug. 31 with a varsity tri-match with Tishomingo County and Colbert County. Belgreen is also hosting its first-ever tournament Sept. 16 as well as participating in four other tournaments throughout the season.