The Barclay College Bears women’s volleyball team will not only be welcoming in new players for the 2012 season, but also a new head coach. Last year’s assistant coach, Shari Bryan, will be taking on the head coaching duties next season and will be assisted by former Barclay College volleyball player, Traci Ballard.

When asked about her goals as a first year head coach she said, “As I enter my first year as head coach, I plan to build upon what Justin Kendall has established and continue to bring the BC volleyball program to new levels. Last season we finished 6-6 in conference play, I intend for our team to be seeded higher in post-season play and competing for the conference championship. I am excited to help each individual player set goals for this season on a personal level as well as for the volleyball team. Walking through the process of accomplishing these goals with them is an awesome opportunity in which I am blessed to be a part of. Lord willing, together we will accomplish many things!”

Shari also commented on the girls she has returning, saying that she is looking forward to the leadership qualities they will bring as upper classmen and the experience that comes with their time playing at Barclay as well. As of now, “it looks like we will have three new players next season to join us. They will be a welcome help in the back row. I am anxious to meet them all and have they become Barclay Bears!”

All in all Coach Bryan is excited to start a new season with old and new faces on the court. “I am looking forward most of all to being a part of these ladies lives. If it were just about volleyball and the games we win, it would be a waste of time. I want to use volleyball as a way to help them grow spiritually. My prayer is that I will model Christ-like behavior on and off the court. Developing relationships and walking through the season together, I pray, will prepare them for life after volleyball and Barclay College. A life that is willing to follow Christ’s calling”.