By By Matthew Nascone
School started back Thursday for Northview High School, but the NHS volleyball team was back to business as usual Monday. The team practiced for the first time Monday through Wednesday in the morning and Thursday through Friday after school.
"The girls are looking good so far," NHS head coach Betty Heaton said. "And the seven ninth graders we have are catching on fast."
Heaton is in her first year as head coach of the volleyball team. She was an assistant to Blaire Hall for the previous two seasons. She said there are not many changes she made to the way the team is run, except one.
"These girls seem to have a dedication to lifting weights," she said. "And we had a weight program last year, but it did not last through the season."
Heaton said the attitude on the court is a lot different than in previous years.
"I have seen a positive vibe and team spirit out there in the first week," Heaton said. "And I have not seen that in the past. These girls are encouraging each other out there and they are helping each other to push harder when they are tired."
Another positive for the Lady Chiefs in 2007 will be the leadership of the eight seniors, according to Heaton.
"Having that many seniors will help as far as experience goes," she said. "And six of those seniors have been here for the three years I have been here, so they have been playing together and know the program. That will be a huge advantage for me when the season gets here because they are used to the way we do things."
Assisting Heaton this year will be head softball coach Stephanie Elowsky.
Heaton said she is excited for the season to begin.
"I can't wait for the season to start and I hope a lot of good will come of what we have been doing in the offseason and so far in practice," she said.