Jones focused on establishing ‘values-driven program’ as new CHS volleyball head coach

After a frustrating 2023 campaign that saw the team come up short in both the 50th District and 13th Region championship tournaments, the Corbin High School volleyball Hounds are eager to right the ship and get back on top under the guidance of first-year Head Coach Krystal Jones.

“These girls are fighters, and they’re ready for a new season,” said Jones, who transitioned last year from coaching at the middle school level to serving as an assistant for the varsity team.

The volleyball Hounds were hit hard by graduation last year, losing four very solid players in Darcie Anderson, Haleigh Black, Kallie Housley and Bailey Stewart, but Jones said that she is excited to see what this year’s mostly young team can accomplish.

“There is a lot of work to be done, but they continue to rise to every challenge,” Jones said of the 2024 squad. “We have three seniors – Chloe Carter, Ava Maguet and Caroline Combs. They have been a huge presence for us, and it has truly been a joy to watch them step into that leadership role.”

“These girls work hard, and they have a bond,” Jones continued. “They truly are team players. I have never seen a group with their energy and drive.”

Jones said that she has been focused on developing mental toughness in her players during the preseason, also stressing the importance of keeping a positive mindset at all times. With a tough schedule ahead of them this fall, she said that the team will need to be able to show some grit if they want to work through and overcome adversity.

All-in-all, Jones said that she has been very pleased with what she has seen out of this group so far. With the setbacks and disappointments of last season firmly in the rearview, the Lady Hounds are now focused on doing what they have to do to get back to the mountaintop in the 13th Region.

Jones said that it all starts with establishing a team culture.

“One of the very first things that we did was to set our goals, and to set our standards, which are non-negotiable,” Jones said. “I am big on having a values-driven program. We have a culture and a standard, and if your character doesn’t match that, then it’s not going to work. Moving forward, we want to have a very positive environment. We are excited to be here, and to be here for each other.”

The Corbin High School volleyball team will continue to take part in preseason competition leading up to the start of the 2024 campaign, which will kick off in three weeks. Jones and company will be hosting a youth camp at the high school on Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, and they are inviting past players to participate in the first-ever alumni scrimmage on Aug. 2. Additional information on both events will be posted to the Corbin Redhound Volleyball Facebook page, or those interested can call the school at (606) 528-3902.