Flint Hill Volleyball Continues to Build on Young Talent

Despite returning most of last year's roster, the Flint Hill School volleyball team is filled with young players. 

With seven sophomores — four of them returning starters — the Huskies will continue to rebuild its program since graduating the majority of its undefeated 2010 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Championship team. 

"We've had great teams in the past, and I told them this team has the makings to be one of those type of teams," head coach Carrol Anderson said. "We're not there just yet, but if we keep working hard we can achieve championships."

The Huskies' biggest strength is their versatile offense, with two solid middle hitters — Michelle Abt and N.C. State-commit Erica Narel — combining with outside hitters Haley McClure and Ally Ford to keep opponents guessing.

And the Huskies expect the strong off-court chemistry to soon translate on the court, as learning to communicate with each other has been a top priority for this year's squad.

"Even though we're young, we're still pretty good. We have a lot of potential, and I think we can do a lot more as soon as we can get the team more united on the court," said Haley McClure, a senior captain. "Off the court we're great. I love everybody. We just have to get that to work for us during matches."

Though the team is young, it does have five seniors — three of whom have already suffered injuries. Regardless, their leadership will be key in addressing the team's weaknesses.

"They provide that leadership and lead by example at practice in their attitude and effort," Anderson said.

Anderson said she believes the team is bursting with natural talent, so it is up to her to channel that into a united team that can continue the Flint Hill program's strong reputation.  

"They've got to keep communicating and talking on the court. Even though they're talented, they still have to learn how to play together and that takes time," she said.

So far the Huskies are dominating most competitors, propelling to a 7-1 record to start the season — losing their first game against the host team in the Loudoun Valley Tournament. In 2011, the Huskies had a record of 6-4 by the end of the Loudoun Valley Tournament and a 16-13 record at the end of the regular season.

"I think this group of girls is determined because last year it was really rough. It was a rebuilding year," McClure said. "Even though we had a lot of losses last year, it just gave us a lot of fire to do better this year."

This week the Huskies will host Broad Run at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, then travel down Jermantown Road to face Oakton High at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

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