Huskies seeing hard work pay off
The Hewitt-Trussville High School volleyball team is beginning to see the fruits of its labor.
Head coach Jackie Cox has been planting and cultivating the seeds for four years, and the identity of the program is beginning to take root and show itself in a real and tangible way.
The Huskies had a strong summer, impressing in playdates. They carried that momentum into the beginning of this season, winning their first nine matches and 12 of their first 13.
“I don’t think it’s been shocking for the girls,” Cox said, “because they’ve improved so much. It’s continued to flow in one direction. They’ve hopped on board with the direction that we’re going. As long as we keep on board with that, then we can continue to keep going with that.”
Hewitt-Trussville began the year Aug. 18 with a tri-match sweep of Springville and Altamont. The Huskies then traveled to Hayden and put together a tremendous day, winning six matches en route to winning the Hayden Invitational. They won 12 sets and dropped just two in a big day.
Winning that tournament was a big deal for Hewitt-Trussville. The progress is becoming evident and that is allowing the entire team to buy in.
“If they can see results happening, then they start to trust and that’s a huge piece of what helps a team get better. If you put something out there and it’s not making any positive change, it’s tough,” she said.
But the biggest victory of the season came the following week, as the Huskies knocked off Vestavia Hills in a tight three-set match. The Rebels are a perennially strong Class 7A program, and a team that was off to a 21-5 start to the season through mid-September.
The schedule gets tougher as area play begins and the season dwindles. The matches become more important and the best teams rise to the occasion. The Huskies are aiming to be one of those teams this fall and in future seasons.
“I’m pleased but there is a bigger picture here,” Cox said. “It wasn’t beating Vestavia or starting 11-1. We’ve still got a lot more games. We want to keep inching up. That’s my big focus right now, is what’s next.”
Hewitt-Trussville has five seniors this year, with Haley Wilkinson, Abbie Kate Monski, Summer Cornelius, Marley Carmichael and Julianna Perez looking to finish their careers on a high note.
Cox lauded them for their leadership and particularly Carmichael, who plays a significant role in the offense from her position in the middle. Perez serves as the team’s libero and is a smart player. Monski and Wilkinson play on the right side and on the back row, while Cornelius is an outside hitter.
There are other younger players on the roster making an impact. Sophomore Kennedy Vincent has unlimited potential, while freshman setter Anna Green has jumped right into a big role as well. Cox has been particularly impressed with junior AC Bennett, who showed willingness to take on a setter role as well.
Sophia Dailey, Cameron Vines and Madelyn Bromley help out on the outside, while three-sport star Sara Phillips is a middle and “super competitive.”
“We have a great group of girls; they get along really well,” Cox said.