Several Fayette County schools

have reason to be optimistic as volleyball action kicks off this week.

The Fayette County Lady Tigers return a veteran squad and will have two

new coaches, Cheryl Laporte and Thierry Harrison, on the sideline this

year.

Eight lettermen, including five starters, return from last year's

team, which went to the state sectionals. The team returns with a lot

of firepower with middle blocker Christine Pritchett and outside hitter

Megan Byrd. Opposite side hitter Kristin French and outside hitter Kati

Alley also supply experience and power. Senior Valerie Warr returns as

a setter.

Defensive specialists Crystal Rene deCotret, Jennie Maloney and Ashley

Stoll also are senior members of the experienced squad.

Laporte will be the varsity head coach for the Lady Tigers. She hails

from the University of Windsor, where she played outside hitter her freshman

year. Following her family from Canada to Georgia, Laporte transferred

to the University of Georgia, where she recently completed a degree in

math education. While at UGA she played intramural volleyball. Laporte

will teach math at Fayette County High School as well as coach volleyball.

"To make a trip to state we have to keep a positive attitude,"

Laporte said. "When mistakes are made, the girls have to shake them

off and get back in the game."

While this is her first high school coaching assignment, she has assisted

coaching players in numerous volleyball clinics.

"I am looking forward to working with a team of hard workers with

positive attitudes," said Laporte. "I hope to instill in these

athletes a love of volleyball and that they will have a fun season."

Laporte also recognizes the difference in attitudes about the sport between

Canada and Georgia.

"In Canada girls are raised on volleyball, but here in Fayette County

it is just a high school thing. I am looking forward to changing that

Harrison will assist Laporte with the varsity team and will serve as head

coach of the junior varsity team. He is returning to Georgia from Florida,

where he taught last year. This is Harrison's first coaching assignment

as well, but he has city league and beach volleyball experience. Harrison

will teach in the social studies department at Fayette County High School.

"I feel fortunate that we have a veteran team," said Harrison.

"As a first year coach, I want to inspire and learn. We want to make

it to state competition and win." Harrison also believes that the

junior varsity and varsity can work together and that the junior varsity

can grow and learn from the varsity squad.

Sandy Creek also is looking forward to a big season from its volleyball

team. The varsity returns eight players from last year's squad of

11, including four starters. The team also attended a four-day camp at

Auburn University and played against top teams from the Southeast. The

Lady Patriots finished the camp with a 3-0 record, winning their division.

"We are looking for a much improved season this year," said

Coach James Slaton. "Many members of the team have taken weight training,

attended open gym sessions, and participated in the Sandy Creek Volleyball

Camp in June."

The extra work is paying off and Slaton sees an improvement in the skill

level this year.

"I am really proud of this group of players. They won their division

at Auburn and even broke a school record while there," Slaton said.

"Tracy McBurnett, a junior at Sandy Creek, placed 17 consecutive

serves over the net, breaking the previous record of 15."

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