By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens volleyball coach Heather Darrow is excited to get started on preparing for the 2025 season with a program flush with youth.
"Absolutely excited to get started," she said. "This year is different, you know, seven seniors are gone ... I don't want to say it's a fresh start because those seniors did a ton last year, but it will be interesting to see who's motivated, there's a lot of playing time to be had.
"Our numbers are good," noted Darrow. "We have 25 girls, including 10 freshmen, ... it's a good number — we're going to have varsity and JV, but we're not going to have a lot of extra girls.
"We're not exactly sure what we're going to do roster-wise, we're going to have discussions with a few girls on what their roles will be on the team.
"And, our junior high numbers are huge, so with 10 freshman, numbers won't be an issue in the future," she added.
Darrow said the focus of the preseason is "hustle"
"Hustle ... defense and hustle, just all-out going for the ball.
"We want to make sure everyone understands whose ball it should be. At the end of the day, it's keep the balloon off the floor and go get it," said Darrow.
Athens will scrimmage against Waverly on Aug. 24, then will open the season Aug. 26 at home against Wyalusing.
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IN PHOTO 1: Athens coach Heather Darrow. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
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