Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

Last year was year number one under Amy Keel for the Brewer Lady Patriot’s volleyball team, and for all things considered it was a successful year. Brewer upset then class 6A number three-ranked Hartselle to win the Morgan County championship and were very close to advancing to the state tournament. However, just like every first year coach, Keel experienced some growing pains and is now ready to put a years worth of knowledge as a head coach into her second year. “I learned a lot. Coaching at a 6A school is a stressful position,” Keel said. “I learned that there is a lot of pressure being a head coach because you want to do so much for these girls and you expect so much of them, but at the end of the day they’re still just kids.” Keel is ready for year two, and so are the Lady Patriots.

Brewer will have to replace four seniors going into this year, including three who have gone on to play college ball. Jessie Privett has moved on to play volleyball at Martin Methodist in Tennessee, while Kelsey Borden is now at Wallace State. Hannah Collins has moved on to play at South Alabama.

On the other side, Brewer returns experience but only one senior. Shyan Flack will return as the lone senior. Flack was just recently released after recovering from a season ending ACL injury during basketball last January, her return is big for the Lady Patriots. “Having her back is huge. That was a horrific injury that she went through and she has worked very hard to get back this offseason,” Keel said. “She is a dominating force on any court she plays on.” Other returning players will be Carly Fairbanks, Joanie Lang and McCarley Northway as juniors. Lang will be the libero as the team’s top defensive player, while Northway will play in the middle. Brewer will also have some youngsters that will step in and play, some who played and will earn more time this year and some who are new. Leisha Steger and Chloe Danylo will be two players expected to contribute this year. Like Flack and Northway, Steger and Danylo give the Patriots some sixe on the court. “We have some height,” Keel said. “I’m blessed to have that.” Other players expected to play this year Evaiah Burrows and Madisen Adams. Brewer fans will recognize many of the same names on the volleyball team from Brewer’s basketball team, which Keel says is a big positive. “I think girl’s playing more than one sport is wonderful,” Keel said. “I know it’s tough these days with all the travel ball, but I think being a multisport player makes them more mentally tough. Working under different coaches will do that.”

Making that next step will be a key goal for Brewer this year. “The work ethic and the determination and the drive has to be there and I believe its there with these girls.” Keel said. “I just hope I bring enough to the table to help push us to that level. We have to step up to challenge and not back down.”