Bronaugh volleyball banking on bounce-back

Bronaugh High School head coach Whitney Hinkle (front) lobs volleyballs for freshman Isabella Troupe (right) and senior Nicole Hagerman.

Photo by Hank Layton | Daily Mail Sports Reporter

It has been 10 years since Whitney Hinkle manned the sidelines of a Bronaugh High School volleyball game.

But when the Lady Cats needed a new coach this fall, she decided to dust off her whistle and give it another go.

“I’ve been super impressed with the effort, because I did not know what to expect,” said Hinkle, who watched from the bleachers when the team won only two games last season, both against rival Sheldon. “I’m pretty hopeful right now. I expect a lot from them, all around. And the girls, for the most part, have come in every day and been ready to go.”

Bronaugh returns four players, including senior Josie Banes, who will play just about every position on the court.

“Expectations are definitely a lot higher this year,” said Banes, who identified one key to making sure the Lady Cats reach their goals for the season. “Communication. Communication is a big key in volleyball, and I think every team can improve on that. Especially us.”

Sophomore Gretchen Banes (Josie’s cousin) will also be a key contributor, as well as senior Nicole Hagerman — who missed out on her freshman and junior seasons due to knee injuries but had surgery and said her knees feel better than ever.

“Like they’re brand new,” Hagerman said. “I think we can go far with this team.”