2023 High School Volleyball in Franklin County

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL in Franklin County

Featuring all local teams!

 Russellville

 Red Bay

 Belgreen

 Tharptown

 Phil Campbell

Volleyball Spotlight: Russellville Golden Tigers

The Russellville Golden Tigers are starting the volleyball season under the leadership of a new head coach as the program looks to develop consistency at a high level of play on the court.

William White brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Russellville team as he enters his first season as head coach of the Golden Tigers. White comes to RHS after serving as an assistant at Baylor University. Before joining the staff at Baylor, he was an assistant at the University of North Alabama and Blue Mountain College in Mississippi.

White also spent time as the head coach at Ohio Valley University.

The Russellville squad has been hard at work learning from White and

his assistant coaches, and the group has adopted the motto of “One Way” as the team heads into the 2023 season.

“We always talk about ‘One Way’ in our program,” White said of the goal and key emphasis of the team. “We talk about that standard being really high and trying to meet that standard. Sometimes we meet it, and sometimes we don’t, whether it’s in practice or the play dates that we’ve had so far, but it’s a constant strive to try to get there.”

When a new coach takes the reins of a program, it is not uncommon for there to be new ideas and ways of going about the pursuit of success.

“There have been some changes,” White said.

“We’ve had to implement our system and put in some processes and things that are specific to what we’re trying to accomplish now. Things

are a little different, but with any program, when a new coach comes in, they’re going to change up some stuff, and that’s no different from what we’ve done. We’ve implemented a new offense, new defense and we’re just trying to do things a little differently and hope that it works out.” Russellville’s roster has a group of seniors that have experience in varsity matches and they will be joined by younger players that add depth to the team.

“We moved Laila Hill from middle to opposite,” White said. “Laila’s a 6’2” sophomore, and she absolutely can just hammer the ball. We’re hoping that by moving her to opposite, she can get more sets per match. She was already hitting at a high-efficiency rate, we’re just hoping that doing this will get more opportunities for her.”

Look for the Golden

Tigers to lean on a couple of seniors that White mentioned as strong and consistent hitters -- Natalie Nichols and

Avery Watts. Also representing the senior class on the roster are Emma Campbell, Kylee Phifer and Destiny Elkins.

Russellville is in Class

Area 15 with the Brewer Patriots, Lawrence County Red Devils and West Point Warriors.

in Franklin County

Belgreen Volleyball 2023

Julianna Potts is one of four new coaches on the Franklin County volleyball circuit. Potts is a native of Miss., and she inherited a volleyball team that loves the game.

“I have learned that my girls are all in,” said Potts. “These girls want to learn, they come into practice each day eager to learn the game of volleyball. My girls are buying into what I am selling, and it’s showing.”

Potts has always emphasized what she calls a “Bulldog Mentality,” which fits well with her new school.

“It’s kind of ironic that the mentality I want our girls to take on is the mascot of the school I am at,”

Potts explained. “Early on, when I accepted this job, I explained to my girls about having a ‘Bulldog Mentality’ that means that when we get ahead, we close in and finish a game, we hang on to that lead. Just like a Bulldog when it gets its mouth on something, it doesn’t let up or let go until the object it has in its mouth is no longer a threat. My girls already have that mentality, so my expectations are nothing less than success.”

Potts said her team needs to focus on the little things in the game that can lead to a win or loss.

“As a whole, we need to work on getting better at taking control of the little errors that can occur when we get caught up in the moment of playing the

game,” she explained.

Potts is looking forward to the start of the season and getting to know her team.

“I see the fight and drive in my girls’ eyes of

wanting to be successful, and I have a wonderful group of players on and off the court. I am excited to kick off this season and watch them grow as players.”

Red Bay Volleyball Preview 2023

Elizabeth Scott is another new coach on the volleyball court in Franklin County this year. Scott, a native of Red Bay, where she graduated and played basketball, is looking forward to her new adventure as the Tiger volleyball coach.

“As a first-year coach, I have learned more from them and about them than I ever thought I would,” said Scott. “Their love for volleyball is contagious. They are a group of hardworking girls and are sure to always encourage one another on and off the court.”

Scott looks forward to the upcoming season and believes her team has what it takes to be successful.

“I expect a successful season from my girls. We have worked hard this

summer to strengthen ourselves in the weight room and at practice,” said Scott. “I expect the team to give 100% effort in all that we are doing. If the girls can give their all on the court, I know we will come out on top this season.”

Scott said her team needs to concentrate and communicate better to achieve their goals.

“We need to focus on continuing to communicate with each other by calling the ball, talking with each other and helping those who may be out of position,” Scott explained. “Some of my girls have never played together, so our chemistry is something that needs continuous attention at practice to build a bond.

I’m excited to get the season started to see how much our practice and effort has paid off.”

Whatever her team’s

deficiency is, Scott believes their love of the game will supersede it.

“Our team’s energy and love for volleyball is something that really stands out to me,” said Scott. “They are eager to get practice started each day. Their positive attitudes during practice and our summer games set them apart. They are all encouraging and accepting of each other. They push each other to be better players and hold their teammates to high standards. My girls are competitive and take volleyball seriously on and off the court.”

in Franklin County

Tharptown Volleyball Preview 2023

Kamri Fleming is the only volleyball coach in Franklin County that coached her team last year. All other schools underwent a coaching change in the off-season.

Fleming, a volleyball player in high school at Tharptown, gives the Wildcats a stable veteran in charge of the program.

One thing Fleming expects from her team is more wins.

“I expect more wins from our girls this season,” said Fleming.

“Last year, we were very young, and only had two players to return from the previous season after graduating six seniors. It made for a really rocky

season for us, but the girls understood we were young and inexperienced on the varsity level. This year will be different for us, and I am excited to see it play out.”

Fleming said that hitting the ball with power and consistency will be a must for the Wildcats if they want to achieve their goals.

“We know that putting the ball away was our biggest struggle last season, and we are going to have to do that in order to have success in the winning category. We have focused a lot on hitting this off-season and at practice, and the girls have come a long way,” Fleming explained.

“Last year, we struggled with hitting, not because we couldn’t do it,

but because we were still young and hadn’t gained a lot of confidence in our hitting abilities yet. This year should be different because we are entering the season experienced, confident and a lot stronger.”

Fleming is encouraged about the direction of the program because of her team’s love of the game.

“Most of the girls on this team truly love the game of volleyball and have put in a lot of work this summer,” said Fleming. “Most importantly they love each other and they get along so well. They cheer for each other, push each other and have started holding each other accountable and it shows on the floor when they play. It gives me a good

feeling going into the new season to see how hard they’re going to compete against other teams, just by seeing how hard they have been pushing and competing against each other this summer.”

Aug.24Hackleburg/CherokeeHome

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Phil Campbell Volleyball Preview

Phil Campbell is one of four volleyball teams in Franklin County with new coaches. Julianna Taylor will lead the Bobcat volleyball program as Amy Moss steps back into an assistant role after starting the program three years ago.

In the short time Taylor has been with the Bobcats she has learned alot about the team.

“During our time together, I’ve learned that my team has a lot of potential and enthusiasm,” said Taylor. “They’re eager to learn and improve, which

is a great foundation to build upon.”

Taylor, who played college volleyball at Blue Mountain College in Mississippi, is looking for discipline and focus from her team.

“I’m looking to create a disciplined and focused team that excels both on and off the court. I expect us to push our boundaries and aim for a strong performance in every match.”

For Phil Campbell to succeed, Taylor says her team needs to focus on consistency and coordination.

“Our success this season hinges on improving our serving accuracy and defensive coordination,” Taylor explained. “If we can consistently control our serves and maintain a solid defense, we’ll be in a great position to win matches.”

Taylor likes that her team is enthusiastic and wants to learn the game.

“The thing that gives me a good feeling about my team is their positive energy and eagerness to learn. Their enthusiasm for the game and their

determination to improve makes me confident in our potential.”