TEXARKANA, Ark.-Winning in amateur athletics is all about the culture of the program.
The Arkansas High Lady Backs volleyball team is inching closer to changing the entire identity of their program under first-year head coach Kaylee Treas-Dalby.
"This has been one of the smoothest transitions I could ever dream of," Treas-Dalby said. "Everyone here is so friendly, and I've received great support from my adminstration. It's been very warm and welcoming. I couldn't ask for a better coaching staff to work with as well."
Treas-Dalby returns a bevy of starters and key players from last year's squad who went 9-15.
"When I first got here, my coaching staff and I were able to sit down with each player individually," Treas-Dalby said. "We planned things out together as a team."
Seniors Kaitlyn Fortenberry, Fortunate Barry, Marcayla Montgomery, Torrance Brown, Shelby Robinson and Sydnee Blackwell will return for Arkansas High, giving Treas-Dalby experienced veterans in the blended Conference 6A/5A.
"Kaitlyn has been pushing hard for us," Treas-Dalby said. "She's a leader on the court and off the court. She's done everything we've asked of her since I got here. Marcayla is going to help us on the front row, along with Sydnee. I can't say enough about my senior class. They've completely bought in to what we're trying to do as a coaching staff. Fourtunate is a our floor general and she motivates the girls on the floor.
"I've had a month to get to know my players. Even on a one-on-one basis. They know what I expect. We've been pushing them everyday."
Junior Z'niah Nelson, junior Lexi Nowlin, Nia Stuckey and Keonnie Strickland are also expected to be key contributors to the Lady Backs in 2019.
"The girls know that they have three strong leaders that are going to push them everyday," Treas-Dalby said. "I want my student-athletes to get more from our program than just what's in the win column. I can't say enough about my assistant coaches Jacob McCloud and LaShardae Harper. If I'm thinking it, they're saying it. We mesh really well together.
"We're going to hold our girls to a certain standard. We want our girls to be leaders not only in school but in the community. We really want to open people's eyes about Arkansas High volleyball. I really want people to see we're really trying to change the lives of these girls and not just athletically."
The Lady Backs open their season August 20 at home, hosting Magnolia for a benefit match.
2019 LADY BACKS SCHEDULE
Date=Site-Opponent=Time
Aug. 30-31=at Hooks Tournament=TBD
Sept. 3=x-at Benton=4:30 p.m.
Sept. 5=x-at Hot Springs=5 p.m.
Sept. 7=at Mena Tournament=TBD
Sept. 10=x-Sheridan
Sept. 12=x-at El Dorado
Sept. 17=x-Lakeside
Sept. 19=x-at Lake Hamilton
Sept. 24=x-at J.A. Fair
Sept. 26=x-Benton
Oct. 1=x-Hot Springs
Oct. 3=x-at Sheridan
Oct. 8=x-El Dorado
Oct. 10=x-at Lakeside
Oct. 15=x-Lake Hamilton
Oct. 17=x-J.A. Fair
Oct. 29-Nov. 2=State Tournament=TBD
x-Denotes Conference 6A/5A game