Tharptown volleyball aims for a fresh start under Huffaker
THARPTOWN — The Wildcats are heading into the new volleyball season with a fresh perspective and a new coach, Lori Huffaker, who is in her second year of teaching English at THS.
Huffaker brings eight years of coaching experience to the team, and while this is her first year coaching at Tharptown, she has already been impressed with her players’ attitude and athleticism.
After a 3-20 record last year, the Wildcats are focused on building a stronger foundation and improving their on-court performance.
The team boasts a solid core of returning players, including seniors Alyssa Fischer, Malia McCullar, and juniors Karrah Nichols and Carly Cason.
Huffaker describes Fischer, a senior setter, as a “fierce competitor” who is expected to provide strong senior leadership, along with McCullar, who she said brings dependability and enthusiasm.
Nichols and Cason will also be key contributors at the net.
The team welcomes two newcomers: senior Leonela Vela, who will be a key blocker, and Cadence Kennedy.
Lori Huffaker
One of the main challenges Huffaker is addressing is the need for her players to better understand commitment and what it means to be a good teammate.
She is working with the players to improve their volleyball IQ and foster a greater sense of teamwork. Despite this, she said she has already seen significant improvements and a growing sense of excitement among the players.
While the team hasn’t set official goals yet, Huffaker’s personal goals for them are clear: She wants each player to give 110% every day, reach their highest potential, and look back on the season knowing they were the best teammate they could be.
With a new coach, a blend of veteran players and promising newcomers, and a focus on fundamental improvements, the Tharptown Wildcats are poised for a season of growth and development.
The coach
Huffaker is from Speake andgraduatedfromSpeake High School. She attended college at Northwest Shoals Community College, where she played volleyball.
She was previously a talent advisor for NWSCC. Before that, she taught English at Hatton High School for 17 years, where she coached softball, basketball and volleyball.
