The Chargers opened their first season as an official sport Friday, Aug. 22, at 3 p.m. against Andrew College. Head coach Buddy Gallemore said launching the women’s volleyball program as an official sport marks a new chapter.
“I feel like I get to put my own stamp on things,” Gallemore said. “I like who I’m working for and with, and that makes for a great atmosphere. I enjoy the players—they want to work hard, and I’m enjoying the experience.”
He added that elevating volleyball from club to official sport gives the school “more opportunity to bring in students” and provides young women with a chance to join the program. Freshman libero Emma Goodson said the change also raises the bar on the court.
Freshman libero Emma Goodson dives to keep the play alive during the Chargers’ season opener against Andrew College.
“Coming in as a freshman, I’m very excited volleyball is now an official sport because it raises the expectations and the competitiveness,” Goodson said.
As for Friday night’s match, where the Chargers fell 3–0 to Andrew College, Gallemore highlighted positives.
“Everybody’s got to play their part,” he said. “Vanessa Johnson played well in the middle, and Sophia Senegal played very well at setter. But it wasn’t just one person—it was everybody.”
Senegal finished with 18 assists, most of them to Johnson, who came up with several key kills. Johnson also had a block that ended an Andrew rally in set one.
When asked about leadership, Gallemore made it clear he doesn’t use captains.
“I have leaders, and that’s what I want,” he said. “Every girl has stepped up in some way. This is their program, and I’m just pointing them in the right direction.”
Freshman libero Goodson said her focus this season is on mindset.
“My goals are to stay positive and try my hardest when faced with adversity,” she said.
Teamwide, Gallemore acknowledged the growing pains of a first-year program but emphasized steady progress.
“Our goal going into every match is to win, period,” he said. “We know some teams will be tougher, but as long as we prepare and do the things we need to do, things will take care of themselves.”
Both Goodson and Gallemore share a broader goal: improvement.
“We just want to show progress, get better one step at a time,” he said. “You’ve got to take baby steps when you’re in the infancy of a program.”
The Chargers come together in a pregame huddle, showing unity and determination before taking the court.
Gallemore added that the squad takes pride in being the first official volleyball team at GHC.
“This is a hardworking group,” he said. “Handling schoolwork and college volleyball takes a special person, and these young ladies are doing it.”
He encouraged the community to support the Chargers by attending matches or tuning in online.
“We had great feedback from faculty and staff who were at the match Friday,” he said. “We’ll also be fundraising in different places, so any support is welcome. We want to be recognized as a hardworking group and make ourselves part of the community.”
