Pressure is seen my many as a source of stress or agitation. Former professional athlete Billie Jean King does not subscribe to that type of thinking.
The legendary tennis superstar has been quoted as saying, “Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who earn it.”
First year Greenbrier West head volleyball coach, Joe Robertson has used this quote to not only embrace the expectations for the season ahead, but for his team to also embrace the pressure that goes along with taking a big step forward at the state volleyball tournament.
“They know we have a good team and that we have a chance to do some good things this year. It is nice to have those expectations of going to the state volleyball tournament in Charleston, but I expect to be playing on the second day of the state tournament,” Robertson said. “That is our goal, but we have a lot to do before we get there and things have to happen right.”
The Cavaliers are on a six-year run of state tournament appearances under former head coach Cindy Nutter who stepped down after last season.
While that accomplishment is extremely impressive, Greenbrier West has walked away from Charleston frustrated after getting knocked out each year in its opening match.
“I think it is mostly mental. All of the teams down there are good. It is about who can handle that pressure the best,” Robertson said. “Hopefully I can get them prepared mentally to believe in themselves and have the needed confidence in themselves.”
Four starters return for West led by seniors Kadie O’Dell, outside hitter, and the coaches’ daughter, Riley Robertson at setter. Both players earned second team all-state honors last year.
Juniors Preslee Treadway and Megan Griffith round out the returning starters. Treadway was honorable mention all-state last year and is one of the most explosive players in West Virginia, while Griffith is back for her second season as libero.
“Having a senior setter that has been there for three years now is a big help. She knows how to run the offense,” Robertson said. “We have two great outside hitters. This year I think we will be able to expand our offense a bit more where we won’t be relying so much on the outside hitters.”
Newcomer Paige Dean is a junior and she will be counted on this season to add more firepower at the net for the Cavaliers.
“Paige has been home-schooled and hasn’t played the last couple of years. She will help us a lot this year,” Robertson said. “Sometimes we have two blockers out there waiting on our hitters. Paige will help mix up our offense.”
Graduation left a gap in the middle of the front row which was occupied by Megan Poticher who is now playing at Concord University.
“Abigail Thomas started some at middle last year and she will start in the middle this year,” Robertson said. “Ava Price is a sophomore that is very athletic and she will be the other middle for us. Losing Megan hurt us some, but what we have will be good.”
Seniors Mackenzie Wingrove and Lindsey Boone, along with juniors Brandy Wingrove, Mackenzie’s sister, and Skylar Cox will see time as back row defenders.
“Sophomore Brooklyn Adkins will play back row and can help in the front row as well,” Robertson said. “Maddie Sweet is a freshman who is going to be a very good player. Right now she will be my back-up setter. If something happens to my front row player, she will help us there. I have a really versatile group. Maddie can play anywhere on the floor. Paige Dean has great hands and can play outside if we need it.”
After being the assistant coach for the last three years, Robertson has no plans for big changes as the head coach.
“The middle school program, Butch, Robin and Jessica do a good job of preparing these girls for high school. They come in with good passing skills and good setting skills,” Robertson said. “Cindy did a great job getting this program where it is right now. I am not doing much besides tweaking things a little bit and trying to get the right girls in the right spots.”
Greenbrier West will open the season Sept. 7 when it welcomes Nicholas County and Princeton to Charmco.
