Lady Ads prepping for new era under Lee
The Lady Admirals’ v-ballers have not only a new coach in Whitney Lee, but a significant roster change from last year.
“I’m new, and there are a lot of new players,” Lee said. “Different for me and for them, so just trying to get them to function as one team. Learn each other’s strengths.”
“I think it’s great,” Lee said, of the team’s practices and development so far. “Really pumped about the season.”
Lee, who hails from Florida, has coached v-ball in Burma and South Korea. She joined the FHS staff in January last year and teaches freshman seminar.
“Here at Farragut, we value education and sports, and we can see how they mix well together and how they can develop the whole person,” she said.
Twelve girls are on Lee’s roster this year, and she insists all will see court time. Only four return from last year, and only two are seniors. “We’re definitely young,” Lee said.
Junior Madelyn McCurry and sophomore Emberly McNair will be the setters in the team’s 6-2 set (all six on the court are hitters and two are setters).
“They’re both working closely with the hitters and always asking for feedback,” Lee said of the pair.
Emmy Walkup will be one of the outside hitters. “Really nice surprise, moved in from Ohio,” Lee said of the freshman.
Another outside hitter will be sophomore Megan Frana, who saw significant playing time last year. “She’s so good,” Lee said. “She’s such a good teammate. Talented and takes ownership.”
Chloe Cole and Chloe Trout share the position of right-side hitter, as well as the first name. Both are sophomores.
“Good athlete,” Lee said of Cole. Of Trout, Lee said she “really soaks in everything we tell her. Likes to learn.”
Another right-side hitter will be Layla Baker, who was hurt last year. “Great leader,” Lee said of the senior.
The other senior is libero (defensive specialist) Lilly Bower. “Always moving,” Lee said. “She can get to the ball.”
Junior Katherine Cabaness and sophomore Olivia Cope will be the Lady Admirals’ middle hitters. “Really easy to be around; really helps our team environment,” Lee said of Cabaness.
“Smart player,” he said of Cope. “She can read the court really well. Really good hands.”
Another outside hitter position will be manned by junior Hope Blackiston, who saw playing time last year. The other libero is sophomore Eliana Plawchan. “Communicates really well,” Lee said of Plawchan. “Applies really quickly what she’s taught.”
Mike Lee will be Lee’s assistant coach. Amie Abram will coach the JV team, and Maddie Kupferer will be the team’s manager.
Lee thinks team unity is a major strength. “Before practice, after practice, they’re always talking to each other,” she said. “It’s not always the same groups. That gives me a lot of confidence because you can always work through whatever comes.”
Receiving serve is “an area of focus,” according to Lee. “You can’t really do anything else if you can’t do that.”
After a scrimmage at the Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg this Saturday, FHS opens its season on the road at South Doyle on Aug. 11.
