By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
Tom Williams knew two weeks into the preseason just why he took the job.
Much like the Wildcats, the four-time state champion coach needed a change. He knew it would be a process and knew there would be adjustments. But shortly into the team’s first few practices this year, Williams finally felt again he was in the right spot.
“I can’t say this often enough,” he said. “I just love these kids. In some ways they’re kind of spoiling me. I’ve never stepped into a program where I have so many good kids that work hard. They’ve already made a lot of progress so far and they still have a lot of work to do, but I think they’re up to it.
“I can definitely say I’m glad I took this job.”
Williams takes over a young group featuring just four seniors and he sees multiple sophomores and freshmen playing roles this year. The four seniors will be looked upon for their experience and how well they take on the new schemes and pace Williams will ask from the team. Jada Ellis is one making a move.
“We moved Jada from middle hitter to outside hitter on the left side,” Williams said. “It’s taking her a little while, but she’s starting to get a feel for it. She has a nice arm swing and can really hit the ball, which is what you need on that side.”
Williams will line up seniors Shelby Willy and Chloe Parker on the back row. Hayliegh Trotter would fill in as well, however she is out with an injury.
“Shelby and Chloe have become solid on the back row,” Williams said. “Shelby is playing the middle back position and has played some good defense and really served well in practice and scrimmages. Chloe is working hard at the left back spot and a little in the middle. She’s coming on strong and we’re real pleased with her.”
Junior Gracie Myatt will play as the right outside hitter.
“Gracie is also coming on strong after playing for a really good club team in the winter and some beach volleyball in the summer,” Williams said. “She’s new to that position as well, but she’s had some strong practices. She’s still adjusting to the six-on-six game.”
Offensively, Williams plans to run a 6-2. Sophomore JoAnna Hunter and freshman Heather Houston have worked as the team’s setters. Williams also sees freshmen Kaylie Marshall and Aleeyah Hamblin and sophomore Triniti Harmon as three key pieces to the team’s offense.
“We’re going to have two setters and three hitters on the front row and we’re going to play faster,” Williams said. “We’ll run quicks in the middle and shoot for real short sets. Our passing is improving and how well we do that will determine how fast we can run the offense.”
Williams is pleased with how well his young group is taking on new methods and schemes as they gear up for the season opener Tuesday against Del City.
“The girls have bought into it,” he said. “Now it’s just about their skills catching up to where they want to be. It’s a little different method and new terminology and a new numbering system, but I’ll be honest this week was the smoothest I’ve seen them run it.”
The Wildcats face a tough schedule in 2019, including matchups against state runner-up Mt. St. Mary’s, state semifinalist Bishop McGuinness, Deer Creek, Ponca City, Enid and Heritage Hall. Williams understands the tough task ahead, but also understands his players need to move on from last season and focus on the future.
“We just have to take it one match at a time,” he said. “And for us too it’s the whole idea of one game and one point at a time. The girls realize this is a new year and we’re better than we were last year. And we’ve been honest with them, which I think they appreciate.
“I’m their third coach in three years now, but they trust us for being up front with them. And I think that leads to buying into what we’re doing.”
This isn’t the first time Williams has taken over a program. He once took over Bishop Kelley and eventually led the Comets to four state titles. He knows to focus on the big picture.
“We’ll have our moments this season. And we haven’t talked much about goals. The biggest thing is one percent improvement every time we take the court. That’s a growth mindset. We’re not where we want to be right now, but if we see errors as lesson teachers and keep working and building what we’ve started, we’ll get there.”
