Ball bringing ‘fire’ back to Lady Red volleyball

NEWPORT — Ginny Ball can still remember the comments from fans and even officials last year.

All of them essentially said the same thing about the Cocke County volleyball team: that it lacked the passion, fire and communication one would expect to see during a match.

“Last year we did not have that at all,” said rising senior Abby Niethammer. “We would score, and we would barely even cheer.”

Now, after being promoted to head coach, Ball is looking to bring those traits back to the Lady Red.

“What we have talked about a lot is effort and attitude, because without those things, we can’t go anywhere,”. Ball said earlier this summer. “And really revamping the volleyball program. Last year, we had a comment made that they looked like they weren’t there to play ball.

“So we’re really working on putting the fire back into the sport and making them realize it’s a communicative sport — that it’s mental, you have to be a team.”

Ball is emphasizing that mental approach, as well as the need for communication, through a unique and effective method in workouts.

During conditioning, players run laps while singing the alphabet, or even The Star-Spangled Banner.

“I told them that we will not win if we don’t communicate,” she said. “It’s just that simple.”

Has the method worked?

“I think so,” said Niethammer with a chuckle, “because no one wants to run around singing that.

“We’ve never had to do that. But she works with us hard and just wants us to get better.”

Ball emphasized the work ethic she has seen from her team during conditioning, especially from a few key players.

“All three seniors have stood out,” she said, referring to Abby Niethammer, Shayna Williams and Jacee Smith. “Shayna especially. She has come to all the scheduled conditioning but also open gyms for anyone who wants to come in and get extra conditioning in.”

That leadership is essential for any senior class, but especially one that will be leading a young group with new rotations and philosophies.

“We definitely have a big role, because we have a lot of young girls this year,” said Niethammer. “We have to cheer on our teammates and do what we need to do and what everyone expects us to do.

“We’re all three good players, and we need to bring that every game. And even if we have an off night, the other two should bring that as well.”

Aside from the seniors, though, Ball has also noticed the work ethic of a few others coming into this season.

“I’ve also got to brag on Kate and Loretta Kickliter, Hannah Fisher, Hailee Hartsell and Ceegee

McNealy,” she said. “They have really come in to put extra work in.”

CCHS will look for that work to pay off this fall, as Ball has put together their schedule for the 2024 season.

“It’s pretty much set,” Ball said. “We’re playing several day tournaments, and the games are just regular season ones.”

“Morristown East and West have always been tough, and last year, I even told them there was potential for them to take that on,” she added. “I see it even more so this year, so I’m anxious to see them go in and overcome that one.”

In preparation for those matches and others, the Lady Red have been doing everything from box jumps to footwork and agility drills — anything to better prepare their bodies for the conditioning required in a full season.

And in the conditioning and communication, Ball has seen her team live up to expectations thus far.

“It’s been going really well,” Ball said. “The girls have worked really hard. I have put them to the test, and every time, they have pushed through it.

“They have really worked for me. I’m very proud of them for everything they have put into it. Their attitude and effort have been really good so far.”