Any first-year head coach needs help putting their stamp on a program.
In the case of first-year Wilmington High School volleyball coach Jenna Persinger, the players have been integral in getting things on track.
“I’ve been very impressed with the leadership of our six seniors and look to them to help build our program,” said Persinger, the Miami Trace High School graduate who takes over the Lady Hurricane program.
The seniors are Sam Achtermann, Madi Flint, Tiara Harris, Aaliyah Huff, Bry Thompson and Alex South.
Wilmington volleyball has struggled to win more than a handful of matches since Hall of Fame coach Gary Downing left the program.
But Persinger and her Lady Hurricane are looking to turn that around, if not this season then soon.
“Our girls have been extremely dedicated this off season and put in a lot of work,” Persinger said. “Their commitment and dedication have been impressive. We are starting to come together and work as a team and communication is improving daily.”
Wilmington was 0-21 last season. Nyla Bailey, a 2018 graduate, was a first-team All-SBAAC player. Other grads gone from the program are Kaylee Tackett, Sydney Wright and Courtney Smart. Wright was given honorable mention All-SBAAC.
Persinger will be assisted by Maggie Reagan. The junior varsity coach is Megan Sellers while the eighth grade coach is Tara Williams and the seventh grade coach is Jasmine Tolbert.
“There are still some fundamental aspects of the game we must improve upon to be successful this season, but our girls are dedicated to improving every part of their game,” Persinger said.
As for the league, the new coach believes it’s a wide-open field.
“Being new to the league I am not extremely familiar with all of the teams, but in talking with other coaches I have heard that the league is pretty tough across the board,” she said.
