QUICKSBURG — Keith Cubbage might actually have to coach the Stonewall Jackson volleyball team this year.
Last year, Cubbage was in the unique situation of having a team loaded with experienced seniors who had been there and done that. All he had to do was sit back and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it was. The Generals, 24-7 last year, ran through the Shenandoah District and advanced into the Group A tournament for the first time in school history. Their season was abruptly halted by George Wythe in the state semifinals.
"I laughed and said I didn't even coach last year," Cubbage said. "Their coaching took place their 10th- and 11th-grade years. Last year they knew what to do and they did it. It was the easiest coaching year I could ever imagine."
Fast forward one year and things are vastly different.
Stonewall lost seven seniors to graduation, including middle hitter Jessica Showman, who is continuing her volleyball career at James Madison. Showman was a first-team all-Group A selection last year and was chosen as the Northern Virginia Daily's Player of the Year.
"A big part of my investment has graduated," Cubbage said. "It's a part of coaching. You move on. These kids are my future investment."
Four seniors will attempt to lead this year's team, including Brittany Clem, the team's only returning starter. Clem played in every game of every match last season and her experience will prove valuable. Brandy Miller, another senior, saw limited action last year, splitting time with Lorri Griffin. Two Jessicas, Roadcap and Coakley, are the other two seniors.
Clem admitted it was tough losing so much talent from last year, but she's ready to help rebuild.
"[Last year] was probably one of the most exciting things that has happened to me all through high school." Clem said. "It motivates me to get there again and that excites me a lot. I know what it's like to win and get to the state level."
Cubbage said he couldn't have asked for a better team leader.
"She's the whole package," he said. "A lot of pressure is falling on her shoulders."
For those who think the Generals will come out and tank this season, the first five games have done nothing but back them up. Stonewall went 0-4 in its season-opening tournament at Broadway last weekend and they followed that up with a straight-sets loss to Wilson Memorial on Tuesday.
That 0-5 start might be deceiving, according to varsity newcomer Brittany Koontz.
"It's a wake-up call for us," the sophomore said. "It makes me want to prove them wrong even more. We'll just have to work a little harder to do it."
For Cubbage, this season will serve as on-the-job training. Already he's had to change the way he runs the team's practices, spending more time on each individual drill. It's a learning experience he said he's embracing.
"This year, there's more strategy," he said. "We just have to be a better all-around team. It's definitely made me concentrate on my game a lot more."
