With the State High Girls Volleyball Team finishing its regular season and heading into the playoffs, players and fans are looking to Coach Audrey McDonough for what’s next. In just her first year as the head coach of State High’s varsity squad, she led the team to an undefeated season in Mid Penn Conference play.
Previously an assistant coach for 11 years, McDonough stepped into the head coaching role this season, prepared to take on the pressure of continuing the success of State High’s girls volleyball team.
“Honestly, I didn’t have any expectations. I think my expectations were on me,” McDonough said.
Having been with players on the team throughout their entire high school career, McDonough has been able to build strong relationships with them and help them improve as both players and individuals.
“I think one of the best parts is to see how far each individual has grown and maintain a relationship with them after they leave,” McDonough said.
Senior Camryn MacNeely is one of the players who has enjoyed building a relationship with McDonough. “My most valuable lessons from her are definitely just like not to get in my head. Like when I was a freshman, I would cry every day after practice, and she’s really helped me get over that, and it made me a lot better,” MacNeely said.
Coach McDonough is quick to recognize that the team’s success comes from many people, not just her. ”It definitely takes a village. Therefore, I’m not the only voice in the gym…We have so many great coaches in the gym with us,” McDonough said.
She aims to be understanding of her players’ personal lives. “I think a coach has to be understanding first and foremost…I think the only thing as coaches that we ask of our players is to be open and honest, don’t be afraid to come and let us know that they have things going on,” McDonough explained.
When asked to describe her coach, MacNeely said, “She’s very down to earth, and she’s helpful and compassionate.”
Coach McDonough explained that the team starts practices every day with drills called “vitamins,” which focus on the fundamentals of volleyball. At the end of the practices, the team focuses on problem-solving and problem-driven drills, so that the players can apply what they just practiced in vitamins.
“She’s able to do different drills at practice and not make every practice the same,” sophomore on the varsity team, Stella Cawley, offered.
Fans are satisfied with the coaching and culture she has built so far. “I think that even though it’s her first year, she’s done a lot of good for the team and supported them in many ways…she’s well-respected and liked,” freshman Lilly Sanchez said.
As for why this year’s team has experienced success, McDonough said, “In all the years that I’ve been coaching, this group has been one of the strongest groups, as far as we’re not big, and we’re not strong, but they have grit. They battle for one another; they’re for each other. This is not an individual, it’s a team.”
