by Griffin Powell

Greensboro College volleyball has had very successful seasons the past two years. Amassing a conference title appearance and a conference semi-final appearance. Sadly, coming up short in both instances. But this is not an instance to focus on the shortcomings but rather focus on how it has prepared the Pride for this upcoming season. Coach Troup, head coach of the Greensboro College volleyball team, says this group for the 2024 season is more motivated than ever to make a conference title push. He says from his standpoint, “Our goal this year is to be a top tier team in the conference…we are extremely competitive and determined.”

With many key graduates from last year’s team moving on, the Pride still retain its main core with 13 players returning from the previous season. Including two all-conference selections, Jaylyn Templeton and Morgan Mayfield. Coach Troup also says, “I think we are a more balanced offense this year with several key players along with bolstering our roster and giving us more depth.” The offense is led by key upperclassmen such as junior middle, Taylor Cotie, who recently just gained her 500th kill for her career, junior middle Karla Del Castillo, junior outside Kelci Brooks and senior right-side Krista Brantley. This returning cast talent-wise is among some of the best in the USA South. Additionally, with most of the roster returning, the Pride looks to build off last year’s chemistry, which will hopefully translate to a banner.

Coming off such a historic season, it is very easy to get distracted or unmotivated. Coach Troup vows to not let recent success be the only thing the Pride obtains. He says he has pushed his team to expect the best out of everyone. He adds, “It is going to come down to determination, heart, resilience and relentlessness in practice and in matches to put us over the top”.

With the Pride coming off a huge cross-town rivalry victory vs Guilford winning 3-1, they also came off two great weekends against great competition in Roanoke and Atlanta. The Pride looks to make a push to be a top team in their conference and bring back a USA South conference championship.