Head Coach: Brandi Sumlin
Last year’s record: 13-11 (lost to Williston in regional semifinals)
What are your expectations for this year?
We are a young team, so I’m expecting, I’d say, a lot of teamwork. A lot of growth. I’m just hoping to see a lot of growth between now and, let’s say, midseason. I have two seniors, two juniors and the rest are underclassmen, so I’m really just hoping to see growth and improvement as they progress throughout the season.
Speaking of improvement, who has jumped out to you so far?
Oh, I’m so glad you asked me. I’m going to tell you. Layla Smith, she is my freshman. She was on our middle school team last year. She’s a freshman this year, and just from watching her last season on middle school to, I’d say, week one with varsity: tremendous. You would almost venture to say she’s a junior by the way she’s played and really dug in and tried to learn.
You had a player sign to play volleyball at Wesleyan College, Jamilet Lozada. What does that say about your program, and then what does that do for the program going forward?
So her signing shows the growth in the program over the last several years, the dedication. There are a lot of girls that are really dedicated to the sport, and they’re dedication to the sport has grown. Having a player sign, especially a player of Jami’s stature, she’s playing indoor and beach, it speaks volumes to these girls that actually want to play ball in college. So she’s become the inspiration. And we’re creating a wall of fame in the locker room, and she will be the first one to go up on the wall of fame and they’re all aspiring to be next to her.
What are some games you’re looking forward to this year?
Dixie. It’s always a great competition with Coach Jim. And then I would say Cedar Key. Cedar Key was one that really gave us a run for our money every time we played them last year. I’m escited to see the girls there, especially with all of the recovery from the hurricanes for them. And then, really just in general, all of it. I mean, seeing them compete and learning and growing from one match to the next is really what we’re striving to do.
What can Trenton fans expect to see from your team this season?
Heart. They can see heart. This group of girls, they’re a really good group of girls. And to see that they’re pushing each other, they’re pressing hard and they really want it all together. They want the same mission, so you should see a lot of drive and heart this season.
Is there anything we haven’t talked about that you feel like everyone needs to know about your team?
I’m just excited to see how they perform. Being young is one thing, and being competitive and wanting to conquer is another, so I’m hoping they all put it together especially by midseason.