The Lake Oconee Academy volleyball team used the summer to strengthen its bond and improve its skills.
The Lady Titans have practiced weekly on the hardwood and have also done several team-bonding activities. They will begin the 2025 season in August, and head coach Chris Ingle is ready to see his team play.
“Summer is always a great time to build our team chemistry and to work on the fundamentals of volleyball. We start each season in early June with a week-long team camp that sets the tone for the year,” Ingle said. “We have seen a lot of growth from our younger players, and it’s also been great to see our experienced players step up their leadership.”
Ingle acknowledged this year’s team is special because the girls have bonded as a unit during the offseason. He also said they’ve developed as a group and hold each other accountable when mistakes are made.
LOA has been scrimmaging against itself most of the summer, but recently, the Lady Titans have played against other opponents. Now, their scrimmages against other teams serve as a measure for the upcoming season.
“We finally get to practice against other teams for the next couple of weeks in summer scrimmages, and we will be able to gauge exactly where we are from there,” Ingle added.
Last season, LOA went 22-10 overall and made a run to the Elite Eight round of the state playoffs before losing to Pepperell. The Lady Titans lost several leaders and contributors, including Victoria Goubran, Ellie Daniel, and Autumn Hinspeter to graduation. However, they return several key pieces from last year’s squad.
Bailey Pattison led the team in several statistical categories last season as a junior and returns a wealth of talent to the court. Sophomore Emma DiMascio, who was also a key contributor last year, is back as well.
Ingle mentioned that Pattison and DiMascio are the team’s captains this year.
“They’ve done an excellent job of setting the tone of hard work and commitment in the off-season and this summer,” Ingle said. “All of the returning players have shown tremendous growth in their play and their leadership.”
Ingle highlighted that the team’s goal this season is to take the next step and advance to the Final Four.
To do so, Ingle has challenged his players by loading up the schedule against larger schools such as Lumpkin County and Flowery Branch, among others. He wants to see how his team fares against tough competition.
Ingle trusts his team and believes they will succeed. He’s also happy that the players are connected and close-knit.
“Our team slogan is ‘We Over Me,’ and I believe that this year’s team may show that more than ever by the playoffs,” he said. “They have an opportunity to be very good if they continue to work as hard as they have been and keep the team first.”