The Lady Chargers volleyball program began as a league sport in 2023. Fast forward to 2025, and the team starts its first season as an official sport. But what does that mean for the program?
“I feel like I get to put my own stamp on things,” Coach Buddy Gallemore said.
An 0-13 start might not have been the stamp Gallemore was looking for. It has not stopped players from being excited or from seeing the benefits of moving up from the club level to the collegiate level.
Some players are excited about the competitiveness.
“Coming in as a freshman, I’m very excited volleyball is now an official sport because it raises the expectations and the competitiveness,” Libero Emma Goodson said.
For players like Sophomore Middle Blocker Vanessa Johnson, who previously played at the collegiate level, it means returning to the collegiate level with experience and leadership skills.
Scholarships resulting from volleyball becoming an official sport have allowed players to focus on volleyball while letting other responsibilities handle themselves.
“It has helped me grow because I don’t have to have a job, and I can rely on my scholarships to pay my rent, my food and any other type of living,” one player said.
While an 0-13 start looks bad on paper, the team has gained resilience.
The Chargers took sets off Reinhardt University Tuesday, September 2, and Wesleyan College Saturday, September 13.
These moments boosted the team’s confidence during a period when some players quit and others stepped into leadership roles.
“I feel like our chemistry is pretty good. The only bad part is when we had a lot of girls quitting. That’s when it got a little bad here and there. Other than that, I would say Sophia Senegal has really stepped up, and she always lifts us up and talks in our huddles and tries to keep us all happy,” Abby Farr said.
The adversity has helped the Chargers define their ultimate goal for the season: getting the first win.
Players have prepared by spending time on the court.
“A lot of practice and a lot of reps, just always practicing, serving and passing,” Abby Farr said.
Others have focused on mental growth.
“It’s definitely made me want to work harder for myself and for the girls. During those moments of adversity, I really work on pushing through and trying to stay in the game,” Vanessa Johnson said.
The Chargers have matches remaining this season, and judging by the set wins, a victory is on the horizon.
All home matches are streamed on the Chargers Sports Network. Fans can attend in person to support the Lady Chargers and witness history.
