Slade’s team product of five-year rebuilding process

Washington head volleyball coach Kelly Slade came to P.S. Jones in 2010 with enough knowledge and experience under her belt to inherit its volleyball program. With it came eighth graders Adriana Tyson, a lengthy, athletic middle hitter, Allison Brantley, a multifaceted, defensive player, Abby Walker and Alexis Brooks. The group was athletic, but their skillsets were far from polished.

Slade moved on to Washington and took over as head coach for the Pam Pack the following year, inheriting a program that finished 1-18, dead last in the conference. Along with her came the five eighth graders, all with a year of experience playing as a unit.

Five years since P.S. Jones, the rebuilding process and losing seasons are over, opening the door for Slade’s core group of five to make history in 2014.

And the team’s record has echoed its growth in athleticism, chemistry and volleyball intelligence. The Pam Pack finished 17-8 last season, second in the Eastern Plains Conference and won its first playoff game in almost two decades. Slade was happy her team overcame the playoff drought, but believes this season — the culmination of the last five years for Tyson, Brantley, Walker and Brooks — should be one of the best ever.

“Each year we’ve grown and did something different,” Slade said. “This year, our goal is to win a conference championship, make it to the playoffs and go as far as we can.

“I really have a true senior volleyball team this year, which is not something I necessarily couldn’t say in the past. I have four excellent senior leaders returning. They’re really going to help our team go far and are not only excellent at volleyball, but they’re excellent leaders.”

This year’s team is truly the product of five years worth of rebuilding. It’s a process Slade plans continue through the years, constructing upon the foundation the four girls have set. Each one of the seniors, including Haley Hutchins, who battled injury her sophomore and junior years, has assumed the role of mentor for the freshman coming into the program. All five are assigned a player and expected to help them mature into sustainable high school volleyball players. It’s how Slade plans to keep the Pam Pack consistent even after graduation.

Confidence is at an all-time high for Washington, as the team is looking to build off last year’s strong finish and go on an even deeper playoff run.

“Once you get that foundation set, you can really start working on things that will help you advance further into the playoffs,” Slade said. “I think for us specifically, a lot more offensive plays and quick setting — we’re going to incorporate that more. The more we know, the more skillsets we can add to help us.”

In its second year in the Eastern Plains Conference, Washington will look to derail volleyball powerhouse Farmville Central, which finished a 20-4 record overall and went undefeated against conference opponents. The Jaguars return six seniors and, like Washington, are aiming for even more playoff success in 2014

“The seniors, we’ve accomplished a lot together and without them, I certainly wouldn’t have accomplished anything,” Slade said. “We’re looking forward to bringing home our first conference championship since I’ve been here and since they’ve been here.”

Washington opens the season on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at home against Rocky Mount.” “I’ve had them for five years, so no matter what happens, it’s going to be a bitter sweet finish.”