IAC VOLLEYBALL: TIOGA'S FORD RINGS IN 44TH PRESEASON WITH GOOD NUMBERS (16 PHOTOS) (2026-08-25)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER — Monday marked the start of Tioga volleyball coach Des Ford's 44th season at the helm of her alma mater's program, and she is still enjoying the ride.

"It hasn't gotten old, just like coming back to teach each year hasn't," she said.

"The kids came in to help set up last week, and when they come in like that I enjoy it. 

"I'm still ready to be around kids. or wanting to be around kids," she added.

And it's not like Ford is staying on for longevity's sake. Tioga reached the Section IV finals last year for the 17th time in 18 years. She has also won 10 Section titles, and reached the state final four four times, including 2024. Her record since 2009 is 261-56.

And while Ford still enjoys being around the kids, those kids still seem to appreciate her with more than 25 at practice Monday.

"Our numbers are good," said Ford. "That's never been a problem."

The Tigers lost several key members from last year's Section finalist, so Ford's focus this preseason has been trying to put together a new line-up.
 
"We're trying to figure out the combination and who's gonna play where," sure.  "We're not really sure what's going on there yet, so I'm gonna move some kids around, see what we come up with. And during the season, I might make some other changes. 

"It's all about what's gonna fit? And, it's gonna take a little bit of time."

"Where it's different this year is you have set positions, typically, where you might move one or two. Now it's like, who's gonna be where?" Added Ford. "I know I have a certain one, that'll be one spot, but someone else can play two spots, so it's like, where am I gonna find that combination, that'll work for these girls?"

Ford said the girls have been agreeable to trying different things this preseason.

"I already talked to one, and said, 'you're going to play a position you've never played, what are your thoughts?' She says, 'I'll give it a shot,'" said Ford.

"This is a nice group of girls," added Ford.