AIS volleyball making strides
Northside Neighbor, October 12, 2005
by Chas Strong, Neighborhood Newspapers Sports Editor
The Atlanta International School's volleyball program has a rejuvaneted air about it under first-year head coach Gregg Albright.
Before arriving at AIS, Albright served as an assistant head coach at the University of Mary Washington in Fredricksburg, Va. for two years before guiding the Collegiate School in Richmond, Va. to the Virginia Independent Schools state runner-up finish with at 23-4 record. The new AIS coach found life a little different, though, as he took over a program that has not seen a tremendous amount of success in past years.
"It's a little different than what I was used to," admitted Albright. "But what we have here is a program that is building, and I think the school has been hungry for success."
And success has come, at least to some extent, in 2005 as the Eagles have jumped to a 12-4 start.
"You can see the students and even the faculty really getting behind the team," said Albright. "When we travel, we have a lot of the guys traveling with us to cheer on the girls. I have heard people say that the team is drawing the biggest crowds they've ever had - they have generated an excitement around campus."
AIS has been led on the court in 2005 by senior outside hitter Whitney Lykins. AIS' leader in kills on the courts, Lykins is vital for more than just her outstanding play.
"Whitney is a team leader on and off the court," said Albright. "I would describe her as the glue."
Other standouts for AIS include junior middle blockers Cassie Huntley and Justine Mulliez. Sophomore outside hitter Paige Enfinger is a solid contributor who should be an integral part of the AIS attack for years to come.
"Cassie has come a long way this year and is making huge strides towards becoming a very good player," said Albright. "Justine is a powerful player and Paige is just a natural. She's one of those to watch for the future types." Albright said that while he has been pleased with the progress his team has displayed this season, he hopes to see more consistency, especially with the postseason rapidly approaching.
"A couple of our losses have been woulda, coulda, shoulda deals," said Albright. "We've got to learn to cut down on mistakes and play with consistency."
And if the Eagles can play with that consistency, their coach says the AIS program has great potential.
"We've grown leaps and bounds since I arrived," said Albright. "I have challenged these girls to take it to the next level and I think they are responding very well. They are learning to play to win instead of not to lose."
