New Coach Excited for Cayuga Volleyball Rebuild

With a roster primarily comprised of new players, Cayuga Community College Volleyball Coach Katie Byrnes said she's excited to see what the team can do when the season starts in September.

A Cayuga alum from the Class of 2014, Byrnes took over as the volleyball coach early in 2019. Though a first-time coach on the collegiate level, Byrnes has spent the past two years coaching varsity softball at Jordan-Elbridge High School and coaching modified volleyball. 

Returning as the head coach to her alma mater where she was an outside hitter and a setter during her two years leading the Spartans as a player is an exciting opportunity, said Byrnes.

"I'm looking forward to rebuilding the volleyball program, and bringing my knowledge and passion for the game to my old stomping grounds. We have a young roster, but I think we have some talent. I can't wait to see where the players take us this season," said Byrnes.

The 2019 Spartans will feature two returning players from the previous season and eight new players. Byrnes noted that most of the roster is comprised of students from local school districts.

Byrnes said she's looking forward to seeing how this year's team stacks up against the rest of the Mid-State Athletic Conference, and is excited to hit the reset button for the program and build it back up. The 2018 Spartans finished the season without a victory.

"The team struggled last year, so we're focusing on building from the ground-up. The primary lesson we're focusing on is working hard. I don't want them to think about it. Just work hard, and good things will happen," said Byrnes.

Byrnes said the Spartans have set their sites on improving in all aspects of the game, along with building and growing as a team.

Nadia Edley, Allyson Dennis and Tatiana Raymundo were named captains for the 2019 Spartans.

The Spartans' regular season starts Sept. 5 with a 6 p.m. home match against SUNY Broome.