JAMESTOWN, NY - The Jamestown Community College (JCC) women's volleyball team is ready for a season of change in 2025. That starts with a new head coach in Cherish Pope, who is putting a fresh stamp on the Jayhawks' program.
"I love it. She is a hard coach, but that is what we need. We needed more discipline this year, and that should be great," said sophomore Payton Lewis.
"A lot more discipline. There is more structure. We are all in good moods because we are working out before. We all get along as well," added sophomore Kaytlynn Franklin.
"It is a breath of fresh air that we needed. Last year was different, but it's okay; we will make great improvements and have a positive season," mentioned Katelyn Kowalski.
JCC hopes the new ways improve on a difficult 2024, where the ladies went 1-19. With a tumultuous year behind them, the team has a positive mindset as the start of the 2025 campaign draws closer.
"I'm excited to head into my last year. I am excited to show the school what we've got too. I think this team will really improve," laughed Franklin.
The ladies don't want to put a win total as a goal for this year, but steady growth is something all three returning sophomores agreed on.
"My goals and expectations are to win more games. To have more team bonding and good team chemistry," mentioned Kowalski.
"My goals and expectations would be to win some more games. I think we are really going to win some this time," said Franklin.
Regardless of the record books, this year's squad wants to not only achieve more on the court but also off of it as a cohesive unit.
"I think the team overall, I think we get along very well together, and we all mix. It has brought us closer together overall, and that will help us," said Lewis.
From camaraderie to victories, the ladies have their first chance to show how much the green and gold has improved when they head to the Genesee Community College POD on Saturday, September 7th. They host their first home game Tuesday, September 23rd, at 6:00 PM, when Lakeland Community College invades the nest.
