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LBW Community College will be going into its third volleyball season this fall.

Head Coach Janie Wiggins spoke about the upcoming 2023 season. The Saints will begin their season with a conference match Thursday, August 24, at Coastal Alabama-East in Brewton.

Q: What are your expectations for the upcoming season?

A: We have a talented group of players coming into this season. This group has a “will to win” mentality and a fantastic work ethic. With those characteristics along with commitment, there’s no telling what this group can accomplish together.

Q: How have preseason preparations been going for the team?

A: We have spent the past two weeks in two-a-days including weightlifting, conditioning, individual skill training, team training, and team building activities.

Q: What are the team goals for the program this year?

A: Our team goal this year is to recognize that they are stronger together. Each player brings a special skill set and energy to this team. Together, this group can make history for this program. We will take it one set at a time. Ultimately, the goal is to be the best team in our conference.

Q: Who are the emerging leaders within the program?

A: Samia Mason, Caroline Bailey, Zationna Horne, Amy Garner and Faith Peters are my sophomores and are setting a great example for this team.

Q: What returning player has improved and impressed you the most so far?

A: I would say that Amy Garner would be my most improved player from the beginning of her freshman year until her return as a sophomore. Her work ethic, faith, leadership and determination all play a huge part in those improvements.

Q: What freshman player has impressed you the most so far? What do you see as her role on the team this year?

A: Hard to pick just one, they have all impressed me in so many ways. In particular, Ashland Kelley has stepped up to learn a new position and is doing a fantastic job. We have several talented freshmen that will be major contributors to our success. Salome De Jesus-De la Torre, Elizabeth Bean, Briana Smith, and Reece Smith are incredible players and will be fun to watch this season.

Q: Entering year three, how do you feel the program has progressed?

A: I believe that we have learned that the ACCC is a competitive conference. We have to find the right people to come in and build the program. Our volleyball program has improved each year and this year is going to be even better than last. We have a combination of players that have bought into the program we are trying to build. Sticking together is our goal this third year. If we do that, the possibilities are endless.

LBW finished its first season in 2021 with a 7-21 record. The Saints improved that mark to 20-17 and a berth in the Alabama Community College Conference Tournament in 2022.

For more information about LBW Volleyball, email jwiggins@lbwcc.edu.