This school year, Lower Moreland High School launched its first-ever Girls Volleyball program, allowing students to compete, connect, and grow as a team. The program, led by Coach Anthony Taylor and his sister, Nevaeh “Coach T” Taylor, marks an exciting addition to LMHS athletics.
Because this was the team’s first season, the main goal was not necessarily to win games, but to build a foundation for the future. “The goal was to develop a team that will work well together in future seasons,” Coach Taylor said. “It was very helpful to have a lot of freshmen and sophomores on the team this year because over the next couple of years, they can develop and grow together, and set the tone and traditions for Girls Volleyball at Lower Moreland.”
Practices focused on teamwork, communication, and skill development. A typical day started with dynamic stretches and warm-ups, followed by drills to improve blocking, serving, and positioning. Practices often ended with scrimmages so players could put what they learned into action. “My favorite part of practice was the scrimmages we could play at the end of every practice,” said sophomore Milania Soto. “The coaches always made practice so fun!”
For the players, the new program was more than just a sport; it became a space for friendship and teamwork. “I played volleyball before, but I never played it as a team, and this was a new opportunity for me,” said freshman Sophia Pan. “Joining the team improved my technique, and I made a lot of new friends.”
One of the biggest challenges the team faced was learning to play together in such a short time. With no pre-season workouts or tryouts, most players were meeting each other for the first time. “By the end of our season, the girls started playing as a team through practice, learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and helping each other succeed,” Coach Taylor said. Even through ups and downs, the team built a strong bond. “We always comforted each other after we make mistakes during a game,” said Soto. “Although our team had ups and downs, we still supported each other.”
Now that the first season has wrapped up, the future looks bright for Lower Moreland Girls Volleyball. With dedication, teamwork, and Lower Moreland spirit, the players have proven that this is just the beginning of something special!
