The Taylor Ducks varsity volleyball team has been hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2026 season, spending the past several weeks in offseason workouts and team practices ahead of its preseason scrimmages.
First-year head coach Sarah Neal has wasted little time implementing her philosophy after taking over the program in June. Through the first few weeks, Neal said the team’s willingness to embrace change has made the transition a smooth one.
“I think I’ve seen a lot of girls who are just excited to be here, and I think that’s the biggest first step,” Neal said. “They have really bought in during our skills time. I’ve told them we’re going to go fast, you’re going to touch the ball a lot of times, and that’s what I want to see. These kids have really jumped on it.”
Neal said the players have responded well to the increased pace and energy she expects from her team, creating a positive environment as the program begins a new chapter.
“I don’t think I’ve had any kids who have shied away from it yet,” Neal said. “They’ve been really open. I’m going to emulate what I want to see from them, so I’m always going to bring positive energy. I think that has helped. During week one, they kind of sat in the corner wondering what I was going to be like, and now they’re seeking me out and asking questions.
I think that’s going to help us build a really strong culture.”
With the regular season quickly approaching, the Lady Ducks will begin preseason scrimmages this weekend, giving Neal and her coaching staff their first opportunity to evaluate the team against outside competition.
Neal said the scrimmages will provide a valuable measuring stick after spending the summer practicing against teammates.
“Just getting to see where we’re at and all the things we’ve put together during the summer is huge,” Neal said. “You can play against each other all day, but you aren’t really able to measure yourself without seeing other competition.”
The preseason contests will also help the coaching staff identify strengths and areas that still need improvement before the season opener while giving players a chance to gain experience in game situations.
Beyond evaluating talent and execution, Neal said one of her biggest goals is helping her team develop confidence.
“I think right now it’s building confidence and believing that they’re capable,” Neal said.
“We know we’re going to have a little bit of an uphill battle, but at the end of the day we’re all supporting each other.
It’s really about bringing the grit and confidence out of them and making every point count.”
Although the Lady Ducks enter the season with a new coaching staff and a new system, Neal believes the team’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn have laid a strong foundation. As Taylor begins preseason competition, she hopes the scrimmages will reinforce the culture the program has been building throughout the summer while preparing the Lady Ducks for the challenges of the 2026 season.
Taylor’s Faith Hopper (left) and Kaitlyn Crane (right) look to stuff the ball as both will return for the 2026 season under first year head coach Sarah Neal. Photo by Larry Pelchat
