The Mexico volleyball program is bringing 13 freshmen and a new head coach into the fold this year.

However, the Lady Bulldogs think they have a ton of experience to offset any uncertainty there might be around the team. Their win total was halved to four last season, but a lot of key players are coming back.

Head coach Kathryn French, who has three years of experience coaching track and field and is a throwing coach for Mexico track and field, is going into her first season coaching volleyball. French said she has “always admired and appreciated the sport” and believes the upperclassmen leadership will help in the transition for the program.

“This season we have a strong opportunity to build our team using the strong upperclassmen as leadership for our large class of freshman,” French said. “Throughout the summer, I was able to see the immense potential our team has for a successful season.”

There are 33 girls on the roster this year, including 13 freshmen and six seniors along with seven each for sophomores and juniors. Emily Moppin is a senior who was an all-conference player last year and will lead a senior class that also includes Addison Paden and Karsyn Heidemann, who each return from injury. Skyler Arnold, Sherlyn Mena-Lopez and Zoey Schutte are also seniors.

Jaclynn Cline is another important hitter along with Moppin who was an all-conference and all-district player last season. Her fellow junior Ava Herron made the all-conference team as well. French said her upperclassmen have “resiliency, determination and hard work” that has helped Mexico in the early days of practice.

“One of our greatest strengths this year is going to be our returning varsity group,” French said. “They have the experience necessary to help lead the large freshman class. Having such a large group of returning players is going to be invaluable as we reach the long stretch of the season.”

Mexico not only wants to bounce back from last season but get as close as it can to achieving a winning season after years of losing campaigns. There seems to be a lot of ground to cover, and French said the Lady Bulldogs ability to cover the court might help in their overall goals.

“Overall, the goal for this year is about fundamentals,” French said. “Our main focus will be breaking down the basic fundamentals and offensive strategies we can utilize with our returning line up, as well as bringing our large young class forward. Focusing on floor coverage and using our speed and agility to our advantage against hard hitting teams will be our biggest hurdle, but eventually, our greatest strength.”