PINETOWN — Kendall Alligood was a vital piece of the success that Northside volleyball found over the past few years. As a junior, she helped lead the Lady Panthers to the third round of the playoffs and helped them earn a postseason berth last year, too.

Now she’s leaving her mark in a different way. With girls’ basketball coach Michelle Leathers being inserted into the coaching role about a week before Tuesday’s season opener, Alligood has been helping her adjustment be an easy one.

Here’s what the recent Northside graduate had to say about the start to the volleyball season.

 

On how she’s helped the team in the preseason:

“I’ve been to two practices. I’ve been telling coach (Michelle) Leathers the basics of volleyball and anything she needs to know. I’ve been helping out with drills … all the basic volleyball skills.”

On how Leathers has adjusted to the coaching role:

“She knows some of the girls from basketball. I think she’s doing a great job as a basketball coach doing volleyball. She’s not trying to change anything. She’s just trying to help by going out there and conditioning them and that stuff — just like any other coach would do.”

On chemistry being the team’s strength this season:

“I think they all have a good connection and they work well together. They’re all familiar with each other. The seniors have been playing together and so have last year’s sophomores, now juniors. It’s very important in success for the team.”

On what she noticed from the season opener that can be improved:

“Definitely communication and moving our feet. They were very slow to get to some balls in the first set. They had a lot of jitters because, for some of them, it was their first year playing varsity.”

On players to look out for:

“Savannah Slade and Rachel Lang are two top hitters on the team. Madison Tetterton didn’t get much playing time last year, but she’s very good with her blocking. She did a good job (against Riverside).”