Ron Moreland is no stranger to coaching high school volleyball.
The former Princeton head coach is however, in a new location for the 2024 season.
After stepping down as the head coach of the Tigers, Moreland will now roam the sideline at Independence after former head coach Kevin Bragg decided not to return this year.
“I am really happy to be here. The players and parents have been so welcoming,” Moreland said. “The players have been open to everything and the style I want bring to Independence volleyball. Their work attitude and the hustle has been tremendous. The administration has been great and they really want to see us succeed. They really want to see us get up there with the other stalwarts of Independence sports and I am all about getting us there as fast as we can.”
Ironically the jump to Coal City comes on the heels of Independence moving to Class AAA under the new four-class system in place for volleyball.
The Patriots will now be part of a five-team section that includes county rival Shady Spring, Greenbrier East, PikeView and Moreland’s former team, Princeton.
“It will be tough. I think our section will be one of the toughest depth-wise, especially with Greenbrier East and Shady Spring,” Moreland said. “I think we will surprise some folks and challenge a few things. We will see how it goes and how quickly we can pick up the concepts.”
Independence does have some key players to replace from graduation like Jaina Davis, Skylar Wooten and Lilli Honaker.
The good news for Moreland and the Patriots, the cupboard is far from bare.
“Top to bottom we have great players that are very athletic and smart,” Moreland said. “I have five or six 9th-graders and Aubree (Cantrell) is the only senior. It is kind of equal between the next three grades. There are several multi-sport players as well.”
Cantrell is an all-state selection and has been a solid threat both at the net and from the back row all three years of her high school career. Moreland expects another solid year from his senior hitter.
“Aubree is incredibly coachable, smart and a great leader. She is always looking and working to refine her skills,” Moreland says. “She has great energy and is very personable. The whole team mirrors her and there is no ego. It is all about everyone working together.”
Moreland prefers his teams to run a 6-2 with two setters on the floor. That position will be a work in progress early in the season.
“We will see who can rise up and who can move and set well,” Moreland said. “I am comfortable running a 6-2. We have plenty of good hitters and if I don’t have one clear standout setter, it gives us two people. It gives me a better option and we could go to a 5-1 if something happens.”
The veteran coach also has a different overall approach to setting.
“They are also learning pretty quick that everybody is a setter on this team,” Moreland said. “If the setter can’t get to the ball, get their hands up and set it. The hitters are getting used to that and hitting off of anybody.”
The back row for Independence should be a strong point with the likes of juniors Zoey Bragg and Rylie Froble.
“We have a lot of good hustle on the back row and players that are not afraid to get the ball. Aubree also plays great on the back row,” Moreland said. “I have a lot to choose from there.”
Junior Kamryn Wooten is another versatile player for the Patriots that is also a threat at all positions across the net.
“Kamryn is very athletic and can cover the floor. She is not afraid to go for the ball and not afraid to hit,” Moreland said. “I applaud her. She just absorbs everything and is really an aggressive player.”
Independence will also have plenty of size and power this year including a pair of sophomore twins, Macie and Gracie Perry.
“We are working to refine some thing with them, but they are long and can get up and block for us,” Moreland said. “They are an inch taller than Aubree and they are competitive. I am also looking to get them both on the floor together.”
Moreland’s ultimate goal is to have is team attacking from all over the floor.
“My feeling is when the setter sets, there are five weapons on the floor. I expect my back to hit as well,” Moreland said. “Aubree, Zoey, Riley and Kamryn all attack well from the back as does some of the younger ones that are starting to adjust to that.”
The schedule for the Patriots will be challenging including tournaments at Princeton, Herbert Hoover and Bridgeport, along with matches against James Monroe, Beckley, Greenbrier East and Shady Spring.
“I always like playing up and I’m look forward to it. That is the only way we can better. The regular season is preparation for the post season and we hope we are rising at the correct time,” Moreland said. “Coming here, the saying is “Coal Camp Tough” and that is what I want. I want them to be tough and persevere. If we out-play and out-hustle teams, good things will happen.”
