On Thursday, the Woodland High School volleyball program made history when the Junior Varsity, Varsity, and Middle School teams came together for a unique practice session. Originally, the JV and Varsity games had been rescheduled, leaving a rare opportunity for all three teams to collaborate. Assistant Athletic Director and Head Volleyball Coach, Wylie McCall, seized the moment to create a practice that was unlike any other in Woodland’s volleyball history.
For the first time, all three squads trained together in the Woodland High School gym, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across the program. The players were divided into "Big/Little" groups, where each group was composed of a Varsity leader, a JV member, and a Middle School player. The goal of these groups was to build mentorship and leadership skills, with the older players guiding the younger ones and setting an example both on and off the court.
Throughout the session, the coaching staff, led by Coach McCall, emphasized leadership, mentorship, and the high standard of excellence expected of every player in the program. The practice also focused on honing fundamental skills, while a series of fun and competitive games helped keep the energy high.
Coach McCall believes that practices like this one will be a key factor in elevating Woodland’s volleyball program. By vertically aligning the goals and expectations across the teams, McCall hopes to inspire the younger players to stick with the sport and work towards success. The sense of family and team cohesion created during this practice is expected to translate into stronger performances on the court as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, the Varsity team will host Burke High School on Tuesday, while the JV squad travels to Academic Magnet Thursday night. The Middle School team will also face off against Alston Middle School on Monday.
This first-ever joint practice was a major step forward in strengthening the Woodland volleyball program and ensuring that the next generation of players is prepared to meet the high expectations of the future.