Hazelwood Central High School’s volleyball teams used to be known as one of the more notorious teams in the league.

Last year, after the 2016 season, major conflict among the coaching staff led to the head coach being exited from the program. In response, the other two coaches decided not to coach anymore, leaving the program completely unsponsored.

This major change was difficult for returning players to get accustomed to.

“It’s hard getting adjusted to a new system after two years of playing with an amazing person as a coach,” stated Sidney Bailey, a three-year Central varsity player.

With the 2017 season quickly approaching, the activities director, coach Martin, had to work fast to find 3 new coaches.

“It was very difficult, there weren’t a whole lot of applicants. Obviously, we were on a time crunch,” explained Martin.

Of course, with such short notice, the coaches had very little time to prepare.

“You know what they probably all didn’t get the job until a week or so before the season started,” said Martin.

This posed a huge challenge to coaches as well as players, and it also caused a serious lack of communication and organization.

“It was very hectic, not very organized,” stated Bailey. “We need structure from the beginning.”

“It had its ups and downs in the beginning and nobody thought it would be a successful volleyball program,” said Brittney Woods, another returning varsity player.

However, regardless of any drama or uncertainty, the program pulled through. The players, coaches, and parents stayed dedicated to trying to uphold the program, as well as its reputation.

“The program did it’s job,” claimed Bailey.

When the AD was asked what will change next year, he was very confident that it will only get better.

“Only time will tell,” he said, “it made great strides, and I feel like we’re moving in the right direction.”