THS, which started multiple freshmen in each of the last two seasons, will feature six players with at least one year of varsity experience and a senior transfer as it tries to not only improve on last year’s 13-24 record, but make it way back to the state tournament for the first time since 2007.

Coach Tiffany Parker got her first look at the squad during a team camp last week, and with a roster full of veterans, she wasted little time with the basics.

“We’re starting to talk more strategy,” Parker said. “My kids are more mature now. They’re a year older, a year wiser and they play in the offseason. It’s been more of a strategy talk instead of an encouraging talk. They’re able to adapt and understand, and they want to know a better way of doing things.”

Parker must fill voids left by six graduates, including All-Kaw Valley League libero Marissa Martin. Jessica Minear is the Chieftains’ only incoming senior with varsity experience after moving up from the junior varsity squad midway through the 2013 season, but she’ll be joined by senior transfer Summer Cerny, who started multiple seasons at McLouth before coming to THS last winter.

The Chieftains started two freshmen last season and three the year before, so several underclassmen will begin the year with a sense of familiarity with the varsity game. Veterans are also using that extra experience to help other teammates prepare during the offseason.

“Since we do these drills with them and we play them, I think it’s good that they experience what it’s like,” Minear said. “They know where it has to be and what it takes, so I think that’s helpful. We’re pushing them to be the best that they can be.”

Players will continue to meet for weights and volleyball workouts until mid-July, when coaches are no longer allowed to work with players. According to Parker, early returns have been positive from new players and veterans alike.

“They’re just really buying into whatever it takes to win,” she said.