New coach, players learning together in Penn Hills volleyball program

By: Josh Rizzo
Sunday, August 25, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Raymond Ager III enjoys being part of a team. While playing for the Steel City Bobcats, an adult football league team at Friendship Park, Ager saw the Penn Hills girls volleyball team practicing.

“I saw the girls working out up there, and I asked what they were doing,” Ager said. “They said they were with Penn Hills volleyball. I liked their dedication and wanted to be a part of that.”

Ager is taking over as the head coach of the program for athletic director Stephanie Strauss, a former Division III volleyball player who took over last season after the school couldn’t find a coach. Ager, a 2008 Perry graduate, played varsity for four years in high school.

The Indians, who missed the playoffs last season, were scheduled to open this season against Penn-Trafford on Aug. 26 on the road. Ager said it would take time for everyone in the program to settle into their new roles.

During a scrimmage against Highlands, Ager said he was part of the learning process.

“I learned a lot,” Ager said. “I learned not to mess up on subs. We can’t get too frantic and need to relax. We subbed out of order because of me. We had two girls named Maya, and I put the wrong Maya in. It kind of screwed us up, but once I learned, I got it. During the second set, we rolled through.”

The Indians will compete in Section 4-4A this season along with Armstrong, Fox Chapel, Kiski, Shaler and Woodland Hills.

Penn Hills senior middle blocker Tristan Thompson feels like she has learned a lot about volleyball during her time with the program.

Learning from Jay Mitlo, Strauss and Ager gave her perspective on different styles. She is preparing to step into a leadership role for the first time. Thompson missed out on a lot of last season because of an ankle injury.

“I feel like I’m definitely encouraging, making the players play their best and making them feel more confident,” Thompson said. “I honestly think that’s my style when it comes to leadership. When it comes to making my teammates feel better, I want to reassure them when they wonder, ‘What am I doing wrong?’ ”

KJ McGree, Nyeila Ferguson, Zakeira Montini and Thompson will be counted to do a lot of the hitting. Montini is excited to have a second varsity season under her belt.

While Montini isn’t the tallest outside hitter, she instead focuses on hitting the ball to the right spots.

“I don’t really think when I’m hitting,” Montini said. “I pick my spot before I even go to hit. Then I just hit the ball there, no matter where the block is. I try to break through the block — or if I’m in the right position, the ball should go straight through it.”

Thompson said Penn Hills is focused on being positive. The Indians have a younger roster and should see a lot of improvement throughout the season.

Thompson hopes everyone will see the improvement.

“We always try to bring it in and put in the past,” Thompson said. “It’s a fast-paced thing, and there isn’t a lot of time to reflect. We try to take quick moments to not be so hard on ourselves.”

Tags: Penn Hills