Following an off-season of transformation, the Patriots volleyball team, and its head coach, are anticipating a powerful season.
Former Oak Mountain head coach and Homewood alumna Grace Burgess took on her new role last year. She is determined to change the girl’s team mindset after a tough year to help them learn to re-love the sport.
After spending the end of the 2024 school year, summer and preseason with the girls, Burgess has comfortably adapted to her new roles at HHS as not only the volleyball head coach but also career counselor and testing coordinator for HHS.
The teams had June off to enjoy summer, and in July all three teams came back ready to work hard for the season.
“We had practice in the morning and then we would play at night,” Burgess said. “We built up the endurance for the season, and it was a good chance for them to really get to see how I do things and how we are going to play.”
The teams played summer scrimmages for friendly competition and the opportunity to have an idea of what they would be up against come the actual season.
Kicking off the season with a home match on August 29, all three teams are ready to put their training to the test as they play James Clemens High School at 5 p.m. and Saraland High School at 7 p.m.
“My expectations, especially at the start of the season, are really for us to stay present and stay together,” Burgess said. “We aren’t going to be perfect and we aren’t going to win every match. We want to see how good we can get by the end of the season.”
The rough season last year had impaired parts of the dynamic on all three teams. Burgess, making it one of her main goals to build back the team aspect of the sport, is incredibly proud of all the progress they have made.
“I have truly never seen team chemistry the way that I have with this team,” she said. “They are so joyful to be around each other, which makes practice run smoothly, for all three teams.”
Senior varsity player Ella Serotsky also noticed the positive shift among the teams.
“I think because of last year, the seniors and juniors got close due to the circumstances we were facing,” Serotsky said. “This year, we are just truly so happy with the way things are going and are genuinely having fun while playing.”
Varsity, JV and freshman teams all have rigorous schedules, playing multiple 7a schools and matches against schools outside their area. Burgess spoke especially highly of how JV has been playing, saying they were “killing teams.” She believes they should have high expectations for themselves.
Serotsky expressed how the team is focused on being grounded and in the present moment.
“We obviously want to end on a good note and make it to regionals and state,” she said. “But one of the biggest team goals we have picked is to stay in the moment and play our own game. We want to make a team identity and stay strong through the season.”
Burgess spoke similarly of her wishes for all three teams.
“Our freshman and JV teams should be competing every day for a state championship,” Burgess said. “I think they have all the right pieces. With varsity, I am trying to stay grounded. I want to stay in the present and not get ahead of anything because their talent is dangerous. We want to represent Homewood at the state tournament, and right now it’s focusing on what it takes to get there.”
