by Matt Wright
The LMPS Lady Lions Volleyball team began summer practices last week (July 21, 2019) in preparation for the upcoming season. Last spring over 55 girls tried out for the team and 21 were selected for the 2019 season. Those 21 girls make make up two teams, an “A” team is made up of mostly 8th grade girls with some 7th graders, while the “B” team consists of a mix of all grades.
The Lions are coming off a very successful season in 2018. The A team advanced to the finals of the municipal tournament last year, playing Houston. They lost in the finals, but they beat Houston in the earlier round of the tournament which was considered a milestone. Houston is considered a powerhouse program in the state of Tennessee and beating Houston shows the ability of the Lakeland program. A successful year-end tournament also allowed the Lakeland ladies to advance to the state regional tournament, another first in the short history of the program.
During the off season, many of the players continued playing club volleyball with Memphis Metro and Memphis Juniors, both of which are largely considered to be the premier clubs in Shelby County. This is furthering the reputation of Lakeland as an up and coming elite volleyball school.
The team will once again be coached by Katy Betts and Lauren Cocroft, both teachers at LMPS.
Home games are always in the LMPS gym and admission is $3. Joining the Volleyball Booster club is only $35 and gives you two passes to each home game. You can download the booster club form below. All funds from the Booster Club directly support the team and equipment needs. Booster club board member Cindy Brock said, “Anyone interested in joining the Booster Club can bring a check to the first game made out to the Lakeland Volleyball Booster Club and receive their passes there.”
