A white ball bounces on the line, and a whistle blows as two high school students lead middle school volleyball players through skill drills as managers to the team.

Freshmen Audrey Keeney and Lucianne Wherley help coach the middle school players by leading drills and warmups.

“Being a manager is usually fun, because I get to help the younger players,” Wherley said. “As a manager, we go to games and practices to help the coaches with warming up the players, helping with drills, and helping in whatever ways the coaches need us to and overall support the teams.” 

Eighth grade coach Abby Good appreciates the connection that the student managers have built with the team.

“Our student-athlete managers are an invaluable part of our junior high volleyball program,” Good said. “Their ability to build meaningful relationships with younger players, while showing care, leadership, and personality, allows me as a coach to connect with them in a new and rewarding way.”

Both girls have learned to manage their time and school responsibilities while being able to keep up with managing the younger players.

“Being a manager for JH volleyball doesn’t hurt my schooling schedule very badly, but it does take away some time to do homework,” Keeney said. “…and we will leave early with the girls if they have an away game, so sometimes we miss the end of 10th period and all of 11th.” 

Connecting with the team has been worthwhile for both managers as they plan to continue coaching in the future.

“I do plan to keep being a manager because it is fun to help the younger girls, and also I get to hang out with the other managers too,” Wherley said.