Charles Henderson Middle School volleyball coach Tori Stone can remember the first day she gathered a group of girls interested in playing the game she loves so much.

The group of interested young ladies was small, “about 15 or so” Stone said, but what a difference a a year can make.

At the interest meeting this year, Stone spoke to a group nearly three times the size of the inaugural group.

“Last year we didn’t have that many come to the interest meeting,” said Stone. “But this year we had 45 show up there, 35 try out and after five days of work made some hard cuts to get to a team of 15. The girls have really worked to get where they are.”

In order to improve on their 7-3 mark from their inaugural season, Stone implemented a rigorous off-season workout routine, that includes weight training with Charles Henderson High School strength and conditioning coach Adam Helms.

“The group that made the final cut are a great, athletic group of ladies that are dedicated to the team,” Stone said. “The give up time in the summer to prepare for the season. They workout with Coach Helms three days a week and then head straight to the gym for practice. They all truly love the sport.”

Charles Henderson’s 2013 schedule features familiar foes, as the Lady Trojans will face off against Goshen, Dauphin Jr. High School, Enterprise Jr. High School and Coppinville Jr. High School

Stone said that schedule is tough, but thinks that her team will be ready for the challenge.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all their hard work pay off once the season begins,” Stone said. “We have a tough schedule that will make us an even better team. We will take part in our first tournament this season at Enterprise. I am looking forward to this season and improving on last year’s innaugural season.”

The 2013 Charles Henderson Middle School volleyball team members include: Rose Snyder, Molly Kate Sanders, Tucker Earles, Jasmine Armstrong, Kelsey Gibson, Graceson Adams, Bethany Balkcom, Abigail Salmon, Maori Davenport, Zaquoya Daniels, Laura Ashley Witherington and Leila Gibson.