Prospective Italy Lady Gladiator Volleyball Players and Parents,

Welcome to the 2014 Italy Lady Gladiator High School volleyball season! We are looking forward to a rewarding season of learning, competing well, and having fun. First of all, I would like to introduce my coaching staff and myself. I am Jane Laws, and I will be coaching the Varsity team. A second addition to the volleyball staff will be Melissa Fullmer as the JV coach and our returning coaches are Tina Richards as an assist and Freshmen coach and Holly Bradley as the Junior High coach.

I grew up near Corpus Christi, Texas and played on my high school volleyball, basketball, and track teams. I was an All-District player in volleyball and basketball, and a regional qualifier in track and field. I also played basketball at Ranger Junior College for two years. My teaching and coaching experience includes 18 years in the classroom from 3A to 5A schools and 7 years directing sports camps. My most recent teaching and coaching job position (2009-2012) was at Red Oak High School where my coaching assignments included Head Cross County, JV Volleyball, JV Basketball, and being an assistant coach for both sports.

Any incoming 9th–12th grade girls interested in trying out for a team must have a current physical and their athletic packet turned in before stepping onto the court, August 4th. The school will offer physicals for $25 beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31st. Our practice schedule will consist of early mornings and mid-afternoons. We will start at 7:15 and end at 1:30. Please plan to wear a plain white t-shirt and black shorts each day and bring outdoor running shoes as well as indoor court shoes.

Teams will be selected after our second scrimmage based in a large part on skill level by position, attitude, and coachability. Those who have played previously on a varsity team, are not guaranteed to play on varsity this season. As the third coach in three years, I realize the hesitancy which may cause seniors or upper classmen to not want to play for yet another coach, but if you love the game and cannot image someone else playing “your” spot then I will see you on August 4th. We are looking to build a program with players with the best attitudes, and the unselfish willingness to do what it takes to build a successful program. Everyone will have an equal opportunity to tryout and those who make the cut must be willing to play the position that will best help our teams improve and compete well. Once our teams are selected, we will schedule a parent meeting and share with you our philosophy, handbook, program expectations and a complete practice calendar.

Jane Laws
Head Volleyball Coach
JAMODI