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Loranger Volleyball welcomes new head coach Jennifer Hebert.
By Jim Henderson
LORANGER, LA—The Loranger Lady Wolves Volleyball team will have a new head coach this season in Jennifer Hebert. She replaces Misty Stilley, who will remain as the Girls' Basketball coach. Hebert is entering her 16th year as a head volleyball coach. She had stints at Saint Thomas Aquinas, Lakeshore and Springfield where she led each school to the State playoffs. Hebert had two semifinal appearances at Saint Thomas Aquinas and a semifinal berth at Lakeshore. She led Springfield to the state playoffs for the first time in school history.
Loranger has not been a participant in the state playoffs for several years. Hebert’s goal for the Lady Wolves is not just to get the team into the postseason, but an appearance into the State Tournament which is slated to be played in November 9-11 at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette.
“We just don't want to just make the playoffs,” said Loranger coach Jennifer Hebert. “We want to be at the State Tournament. Our team has the potential to be successful with the amount of talent we have.”
Hebert has beefed up the schedule where the Lady Wolves are playing 33 matches this season against teams that have regularly been participants in the State Tournament. During the summer Hebert had the team participate in two team camps along with scrimmages against perennial playoff teams in New Orleans and Baton Rouge to prepare them for fall campaign.
Hebert welcomed out 37 players to this year's squad and will have 11 seniors dotting the roster.. She is counting on the senior class to pave the way because these players have been playing for the past three years. “They (seniors) have worked so hard during the summer,“ said Hebert. Hebert inherits a team that a year ago that played just 20 games and decided not to play in the postseason because of injuries and other issues.
The Lady Wolves will play different offensive schemes on the court that features one, two or three setters. “We are playing a 5-1 alignment, but can switch to a 6-2 that will put two setters and four hitters on the court,” said Hebert. “The girls have bought into the program and are eager to start the season right away. The team is jelling really, really well and early, which is a good thing and I hope it stays that way.”
Loranger will have seniors Isebel Miller and Olivia Gottscalk directing the offense as setters. The Lady Wolves will have seniors Madi Ackerman and Lorelei Gautreau starting at the outside hitter positions. Senior Paityn Ackerman will start off in the back row and senior Ella Bankston is slated to play the libero spot.
Look for senior setter Skylar Ford to see plenty of action along with seniors Kenli Reid, Lanaisha May, Sundi Griffin and Philia Disher to add depth in the front and back rows. “These girls get along so well,” Added Hebert. “So, I hope this just the beginning and we can continue to get better as the season goes on.”
Junior middle blocker Emma Bankston will anchor the defense for the Lady Wolves. Adding depth on the defensive side of the net for Loranger are juniors Lexie Colona, Melanie Garcia, Kaitlyn Huner, MaKayla Husser, Taylor Smith, Alyssa Prine, Paige Tassin and Heirness Williams.
Hebert also says her style of coaching is an open door policy. “I may ask them to do something out of their comfort zone, but I’m never going to not explain why,” Hebert said. “I will move them to the side and explain why I need them to do this or why I believe they can do this. I am trying to push their limits and get the most of their abilities.”
The schedule has Loranger participating in three tournaments at Hammond on Sept. 9, Doyle Sept. 16 and East Jefferson Oct. 21. The Lady Wolves are playing 5A opponents in Hammond, Covington and Denham Springs. District 8-IV play begins on Oct. 10 against defending Division IV champion Archbishop Hannan. Hebert will face her former team St. Thomas Aquinas in Hammond on Oct. 23.
Wolfettes to Attend UDA Camp
Loranger dance team to compete at Universal Dance Associaiton Camp.
HAMMOND, LA—The Loranger Wolfettes Dance Squad will attend the Universal Dance Associaiton Camp hosted at SLU June 11-12. The squad will receive instruction and compete against other school.
Universal Dance Association was founded in 1980 as Universal Dance Camps. Jeff Webb and Kris Shepherd started UDA to provide high quality educational training for college and high school dancers through summer camps and clinics on college campuses. From the beginning, UDA focused on the highest standards-the finest instructors, the best choreographers and the most exciting and innovative routines.
Summer camps were established nationwide featuring private coaching that allowed every team a one-on-one relationship with the UDA Staff. While the emphasis on team growth and improvement is always a constant at UDA camps, the staff also seek to make the camp fun and productive! Teams are taught routines, proper technique, conditioning and much more.
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