Vina volleyball focuses on growth, building a program
The Vina Red Devils volleyball program is still growing, but coach Brittany Pannell said the players are showing steady improvement and a willingness to learn.
This is the third year of the program, but the first year Vina has officially declared a team. With several new players and two seniors who had never played volleyball before, Pannell knows there will be plenty of lessons along the way.
“I’ve told them from the get go, you can’t go in thinking you’re going to be disappointed,” Pannell said. “We’re still learning.”
The Red Devils are competing in an area that includes teams such as Addison and Meek, both of which have reached the state tournament. Pannell said the competition will provide Vina with opportunities to learn and improve.
The team has already participated in a camp with Northwest Shoals Community College and competed in the Franklin County Play Date. Pannell said the players held their own better than she expected.
Vina also has several younger players making an impact.
Seventh grader Harper Dean is playing on all three teams and is expected to be one of the Red Devils’ top players. Pannell said Dean is a strong all around player who can hit, pass and play defense.
“She’s probably the best player I’ve got,” Pannell said.
Freshman Miley Pannell has also continued to improve, while senior Lana Bell has made significant progress despite being new to volleyball. Bell also plays softball.
Another young player making an impact is a freshman who stands around 6 feet, 1 inch or 6 feet, 2 inches tall. Pannell said she has developed into a better blocker while continuing to learn the game.
Marissa Lamar and junior Addison Pannell are expected to handle the setting duties for the varsity team, with Pannell planning to use a 6-2 offense.
Lindie Easterling and Samantha Elders are expected to serve as the team’s liberos. Vina has not previously used the position, making it another new part of the program.
Addison Pannell is also expected to contribute defensively, while Dean will be counted on in several areas.
Dean is among the team’s strongest servers, along with senior Kenzie Elrod. Eighth grader Kinsley Newton is another player Pannell said has a strong serve.
For Pannell, the goal is not to put unnecessary pressure on a young program. She wants the players to enjoy volleyball while becoming more competitive.
Vina won one game in its first year and two last year. Pannell hopes to continue building on that progress.
“I don’t want to put a whole lot of pressure on them,” Pannell said. “I do want to increase their learning and their competitiveness.”
Pannell is learning alongside her players. She had never played volleyball herself before becoming a coach and said she has relied on videos and other coaches to learn the game.
“It’s definitely still a learning experience for me too,” she said.
