MARBLEHEAD — Marblehead’s girls volleyball team is getting ready for another season behind Coach Killeen Miller, who led the Magicians to a 15-3 regular season record and the No. 15 seed in the Division 2 tournament a year ago.
“We had an awesome season,” Miller said. “Our kids worked so hard and were committed to getting better every day. Our senior leadership set the standard for our program. They truly kept reaching for a higher level throughout the season and pushed this team to have high expectations every day.”
Despite a stellar regular season, the Magicians fell short in the postseason, losing in the Round of 32 to Nashoba.
“We had some huge wins against teams like Ipswich and NDA,” Miller said. “Unfortunately, we had a big loss in the first round of the postseason, and that has stayed with us – in a good way. Our kids want to get back out there and prove we can make a long run into the state tournament.”
One player the Magicians won’t have on the floor with them this season is Keira Sweetnam. Sweetnam was last season’s Northeastern Conference MVP and made the all-state team.
“Keira was such a huge presence for us, but one of the best qualities about Keira was her work ethic. She showed everyone how grit, determination, and hard work will get you what you want. She always wanted the ball and I think this mentality really touched our young players,” Miller said. “We will be young this season, but what Keira instilled will be felt.”
“Keira was our offensive weapon, but it’s time for others to step up and be that player who can put the ball away,” Miller said.
Despite Sweetnam graduating, the Magicians have a roster chalk full of experience.
“Seniors Deysha Amadis and Maddie Cole will be an anchor to our offense,” Miller said. “Both can swing from the right side, and middle, and they will be big for us this year.”
“Junior Megan Parkman will be a strong presence for us,” Miller said. “She’s a great leader and her serve-receive will give us a chance to run a fast offense.”
“Sophomores Mari Modrzynska, Greta Sachs, and Eva Burke will take on major roles for us this season,” Miller said. “They are young, but this class is talented and I look forward to seeing them step up to this level. Last season, they saw the court minimally, but this year, they will be a huge presence.”
When asked about a strategy this season, Miller said she wants players to take what last year’s seniors taught them, but go in their own direction.
“I hope our kids can take what they’ve learned from our previous seniors, but blaze their own path. They’ve worked so hard to get where they are, and even though our starting lineup will look completely different from last [season], this is their opportunity,” Miller said. “I hope our kids see all they are capable of and go get it.”
Miller said one thing she always looks forward to is the start of each season.
“Each year, our teams take on a slightly different set of strengths and challenges and this group will be young, but fearless,” Miller said. “With such a huge group of seniors that graduated this past year, I’m excited to see them step up and take on new roles.”
Despite the youthfulness of the Magicians, potential is high.
“The ambition of this team is limitless,” Miller said. “Our sophomores are the first kids in the gym and the last kids out. They just have a huge desire to improve, compete, and just prove themselves. It will be really exciting to see how this team rises to the challenges.”
Another strength of the Magicians will be their energy, according to Miller.
“I think another strength of ours will be our energy,” Miller said. “Our kids want it and that’s contagious.”
Being a team sport, Miller wants her group to build relationships that will help them perform at the highest level.
“Volleyball is the ultimate team sport and I strive to always teach our players that building relationships is essential to the trust, communication, and energy a successful team must have,” Miller said.
“I’m honest with our players and work to help them achieve all they are capable of. We work really hard in our program to encourage our kids to take risks and constantly push that edge with their play,” Miller said. “Perfection is not what we’re after. It’s the competition we strive for. It’s being a better version of yourself each day.”
