By AMY WALKER
Hannah Wight and Tammy Hancock are the new volleyball coaches for the 2017-2018 school years, the Puxico R-8 School Board announced. With both coaches saying they have their hearts completely in the sport, the Lady Indians have taken on to kill the season by focusing on teamwork and fundamentals.
This year's team is made up of 13 girls for both Junior Varsity and Varsity, who are all giving the team everything they have to offer, on and off the floor. The first practice for the team took place July 31 in their home town of Puxico in the FEMA building gym. As the team builds on combining their fundamentals with their skill set, the coaches are playing them in different areas on the court to place the players accordingly so that all players can be an asset to the team and get the most out of their playing time the once season starts.
"What we are working on for the team as coaches is to make sure we are providing them with the proper knowledge and tools to be successful," stated Coach Wight. "We are trying to celebrate our opportunities as a volleyball team and really motivate each other. We want everyone to have fun as they are working to the best of their ability."
Coach Wight took the position as head coach after realizing the school board needed someone to step up and take the lead so that they could continue to offer Volleyball at Puxico. Wight started playing Volleyball while she herself was an elementary student enrolled at Puxico and continued to play until she graduated in 2010.
"It wasn't something that I planned on doing, but when I found out about the opportunity I thought, you know there are not very many times in one's life that they can truly chase a dream," stated Coach Wight. "When I was in school my heart was here and my head was here on this court and now as a coach I once again have my whole heart and head back into this gym, and every other gym that we will be playing on this season."
Hancock accepted the position as assistant coach shortly after Wight signed on. Each coach has a unique aspect to offer as an individual coach, and that along with Coach Karen Hazel working as a mentor for them both; they make a strong force to reckon with as a team of coaches.
"Coach Hazel has let us taken the reins but has helped us transition as new coaches," stated Coach Wight. "Without her I truly believe that it would have been a lot more difficult and we are both so thankful for her stepping up to the plate when the team needed her most."
The season officially kicks off Aug. 17 with a welcoming tournament. This tournament takes place in Clearwater and acts as an introduction of team members for the competing teams of the season. The first home game then takes off at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug, 28 and the team will be competing against Cape Central.
The community is encouraged to come out and support the Lady Indians and an official schedule will be posted at a later date.