Sussex Academy volleyball is hoping an influx of underclassmen combined with experienced winners will propel their 2024 season to 2023 levels and beyond.

“We're a growing program – we're a young team with only two seniors – so we just want to show that we are capable and we can do big things, too,” said senior libero Savannah Montgomery.

Clinching their first Henlopen South division title in program history in 2023, the girls left their goals from last season in place for 2024. 

“We have a lot of young talent coming up,” said Seahawks coach Hailee Gooch. “Defensively, I think we'll end up being stronger than we were last season. We're definitely fighting to defend the south title again this year, working with the younger girls to generate that power that we lost from last season with our offense and instilling that confidence.”

Senior Dymond Steele said the team and young girls are skilled enough to hang with experienced squads.

“We should have the same goals as last year, winning the south of the Henlopen Conference,” Steele said. “I think that we can definitely do it again.”

Steele and Montgomery will lead a group of underclassmen who may have record-setting shoes to fill but have gained valuable experience. 

“It's just a new role, to take responsibility, and help them grow and foster their skills,” Montgomery said.

Some of the young bloods received a baptism by fire over the break.

“We've had some girls that played beach over the summer, so they're really good,” Steele said. “Their hitting and passing – they've improved a lot. Most of our front line is young, but they keep it consistent.”

“We have scrappy defense, and I think, with a couple more weeks of practice, we're putting things together,” Montgomery said.

Gooch said in addition to Montgomery and Steele, the Seahawks will rely on freshmen middle setter Josephine Smith to quarterback the team and sophomore Maya Hastings to help fellow sophomore Grayce Glover provide power on offense as the outside hitters.

“This is the most we've had try out in 10 years, and the most cuts we've had to make,” Gooch said. “They were difficult, because the talent is so strong across the board with the younger players.”

The girls will need to stave off Indian River (Oct. 1) and Lake Forest (Oct. 10) to repeat as Henlopen South champs. Away visits to crosstown rivals Sussex Central (Sept. 10) and Delmarva Christian (Oct. 7) are also circled on the calendar. 

A strong Middletown squad will head to Georgetown Friday, Sept. 8, to start off the Seahawks’ season, with the opening serve set for 5:15 p.m.