Blue Devil volleyball will be looking for their same start to last season but keeping that consistency throughout the entire season.
Wayne High will once again be under the direction of Nichelle Daum. Coach Daum will be entering her sixth year with the program and fourth as the head coach.
Communication has been key.
"Keeping the girls loud in the gym, trusting the people next to them and building those relationships with their teammates," said Daum. "Serve receive is always something I try to hit hard at the beginning and then we've spent a lot of time on blocking."
A total of 29 players with four seniors will make up this year's Wayne volleyball team.
Seniors include Elle Powicki, Haley Kramer, Jacen Hasemann and Megan Magnuson.
Returning staff members are Vicki Smith and Makenna Nelson.
Wayne High varsity and junior varsity each attended one of the Wayne State College team camps over the summer with everyone receiving playing time. Varsity also attended a two-day team camp at UNO going 9-3 for the weekend.
Coach Daum met with her players at the beginning of the season individually talking about goals. Some include winning conference, make it deep into the postseason and advance to a Saturday District final with the opportunity to move onto the PBA.
Wayne graduated just one senior with their middle hitter position needing to be filled.
"Expecting big things out of Haley Kramer, she's a six-rotation player," said Daum. "I think she's been working her tail off. Mallory (Redden) is another six-rotation player. Setters are always good to get back. I think they run the team and she ran the team last year."
Junior Addison Frank and Haseman are key defensive specialists who move around and control the back row.
Freshman Kamden Dobbins was one of the underclassmen who has stepped up and being able to move around on the outside or rightside.
"I told the girls today (Monday), with the talent that we have I feel like I'm still moving pieces around to see where people fit where the best," said Daum. "That's kind of what we're going mess with on Thursday a little bit. By moving people around a little bit I think it will help figure out who looks best at what positions."
Wayne will be hosting Elkhorn Valley on August 21 starting at 5 p.m. for a jamboree.
Consistency throughout a match will be key on improving for the Blue Devils.
Haley Kramer, senior outside hitter and Mallory Redden, junior setter joined the Wayne Herald following an August 18 practice.
"We were really focusing on building our team bonding," said Kramer. "Finishing our games is what we focused on this summer. Just being a collective group and ready for this season."
During the first week, the team pushed each other and continued to learn.
"Fundamentals again but just like competing with each other," said Redden. "People are fighting for a spot right now so everyone is trying to do their best. It's really intense and competitive in here. The gym is loud and everybody comes ready to play."
An improving record from last year, state tournament and keep building on team bonding are some goals shared.
Last year, the Blue Devils finished 14-17 but started the season winning seven of their first nine matches.
Both Kramer and Redden shared a message to the underclassmen.
"They're definitely a hard-working group," said Kramer. "I've seen a lot of improvement from the beginning of summer to now. I can't wait to see them grow throughout the year."
"I'd say stay with it and be confident," said Redden. "Shoot your shot in practices. This summer, we had really good attendance with underclassmen. We have a big team this year, so stay with it and it will be a lot of fun."
Wayne High volleyball is set to open at Ponca on August 28 at 7 p.m. with a home-opener set for September 2 with West Holt at 7 p.m.
"We appreciate it," said Daum. "I know the girls thrive off energy. Whether that's from me, whether if it's from the stands. When you come, be loud and go Big Blue."
