There’s a new face hanging out with the Oxford Varsity Volleyball team this season: new Head Coach Kristi McDevitt.
McDevitt, who coached the Oxford JV Volleyball team last season, stepped in to replace coach Lori Campbell, who has been coaching for more than 20 years and decided to retire after last season.
“I’m excited to be doing this,” said McDevitt. “Who doesn’t want the top? I wanted a chance to run the program and get to oversee everything. After being able to look at things from the outside, I’d like to expand and do some things a bit different.”
McDevitt’s coaching background is still brief, but she does have experience coaching some freshman basketball and working with her sister at the freshman and JV levels. The new coach said she plans on bringing more quick sets, but otherwise keep the game plan the same.
“I’m looking forward to having six returning players so it’s not like starting from scratch,” said McDevitt. “I still have work to do, but that many makes my job easier.”
Last year, the Lady Cats finished a winning season with a disappointing first round loss at Districts. The team was forced before the match up to reorganize their rotation after an illness took out a key player, and the ladies were just not able to regroup. Also, the team graduated key players Karyn Inman and Jacqui Ludeman this past year leaving empty holes in the middles.
“We’ve brought up two sophomores for the middle positions, Mykala Salquist and Shana Jones,” explained McDevitt. “I think their going to do a good job of filling the spots. The team is just as competitive as last year.”
With team captains Shannon Gerbe and Lindsey Tarrant leading the way, and support of returning players like setter Brandi Parker, the Lady Cats have decided to remain a dominate force in the Flint Metro League.
However, league competition is often not the problem during regular season. The Oxford ladies will actually face their toughest competition on Sat., Dec. 13, at the Imlay City Tournament when they face off against North Branch.
“I think it will be good for the girls to go ahead against them right off the bat,” said McDevitt. “This will either show them what they can do, or show them what they need to do.”