Grimsley Head Volleyball Coach Stacy Way previews 2023 Season. New Faces, Same Culture.
By: Mike Fanning for GreensboroSports.com……
I had an opportunity to sit down with Grimsley Head Women’s Volleyball coach Stacy Way and get a preview about her team for 2023 season.
After winning the Metro 4A and having a deep postseason run in 2022, the Whirleys look to reload and retool for the 2023 campaign. “I think the level of volleyball last year in the Metro 4A conference was great. The amount of standout players on each team really showed every single match, every single night. That level of opposition was great and it helped us to prepare for this year.” Coach Way explained how one season can roll right into the next. “You are together so much, It’s almost a year-round sport now. We play indoor in the fall, we pick back up with club beach volleyball in the spring. There are camps during the summer. We spend so much time together throughout the year. We know what it is going to take as a team to win the 4A again”
When asked about what the Grimsley squad would like this year after losing some key players on the front line, Coach Way expressed optimism. “Our team is going to look a little different this year with the loss of so many outstanding seniors. We lost a really great setter in Regan Deaton, but preparing for this year, we did get a big transfer from Bishop, and as well from Page.” Those transfers she referenced are sophomore setter Regan Haverstock from Bishop McGinness and sophomore outside hitter Naomi Locklear from Page. Those newcomers mixed in with returning starters of Charlotte Williams and Fiona Welsford will make for an impressive front line. Sophomore Morgan Falk returns in the back row, along with Madeline Aveline and Kayna Fisher. “Opposing teams may think that we lost a lot of talent,” coach Way added, “but we also gained some great players and I think that we are going to have a great season. I am realistic but I think we are going to surprise this conference.”
Coming off a 20-6 season a year ago, I asked coach Way about what made last year such a success and how it can be applied to this year. “First, we pack our non-conference schedule. We want to compete against the best during the regular season. Come playoff time those matches are really important for proper seeding. Preparing and playing tough back-to-back matches really helps the team develop and stay sharp.”
“Second, I try to treat each lady like my own child, spend a lot of time with her, and grow the family aspect. That is so important to me. I want each player to grow as a person. In coaching volleyball, it’s about trying to form the ladies into a productive and successful team. To grow, learn and communicate as a team. Even when they graduate from Grimsley we try to stay close. I had a girl call me the other night at like 10:30pm. She was getting ready to go off to college and was like, I miss you so much, I miss volleyball. I really want them to continue to enjoy the game and develop relationships. Even when players graduate, or players transfer in, the family culture will remain strong.”
The Grimsley Whirlies begin the 2023 season with Grimsley Invitational on August 5th and the regular season starts on August 15th. All the games are broadcast on the NFHS Network. Also look for continuing coverage of Grimsley Whirlies volleyball on greensborosports.com