One of the points made by Thorsby volleyball coach Ginger Williams as she was talking about her team this season was the familiarity she and her players now enjoy as she enters her fifth season on the job.

Williams’ last quote in the story, about not having to ask players to do simple things like take down the net at the end of practices, was delivered as players were taking down the net—without being asked. At that moment, it seemed Williams has begun making the kind of mark on her program that has been made by a couple of other local coaches: Glen Graham at Isabella and Leighsa Robinson at Jemison.

Players know that poor effort at an Isabella practice might result in the dreaded “Tower Drill.” A missed assignment by a Jemison player means immediate pushups—even if it’s an exhibition match with friends and parents watching.

Isabella made the Elite Eight last year, and, with many talented players returning, is a good bet to make it back to Pelham this season. Jemison, meanwhile, is a threat to turn the same trick in Class 4A.

And don’t forget Class 5A Chilton County. The Tigers return every player from last year team and will look to make a significant improvement.

Then there is Maplesville, who this season will field a team for the first time. The Red Devils will undoubtedly take some lumps, but they must remember that other programs, even the most successful of them, went through the same process at some point in their history.

Thorsby is a good example. When Williams took over, the program was a far cry from where it is today: Looking to prove it belongs among the county’s elite.

–Dawkins is the assistant managing editor for The Clanton Advertiser.