JUDA — After a long absence, Pam Green returns to the sidelines to coach the Juda volleyball team. Green has nine previous seasons as head coach of the Panthers. She said her main goal for the team this year is to get everyone in the program on the same page and to be committed to the team and program improvement.

“We want them to give it all they have every day. Hopefully that will lead into success on the court,” Green said. 

Juda struggled a year ago, but with the ebbs and flows of the Six Rivers East, the Panthers have a history of staying in the mix of things.

“Juda has always been known to have a scrappy team. Our team will give everything they have,” Green said. 

The Panthers graduated five players from last year’s squad, including four solid rotation spots in Libby Jordan, Susan Farias, Morgan Schneeberger and Jerzie Lerch. Back this year are seniors Jackie Nusbaum and Ciarrah Davis, and juniors Lavinia Rufer and Briliey Swedlund. Davis has been a libero in years past, while Nusbaum sets, Rufer plays in the middle, and Swedlund a utility piece to be used in multiple positions.

“Returning letter winners from last year’s squad should bring good leadership to our team as well,” said Green, who is looking for some underclassmen to step up and fill the open spots in the rotation. “We have some holes to fill after graduating five seniors from last year’s team. Finding the best lineup will be our early focus.”

Green said that while every team in Six Rivers East is tough, there is one that sticks out in particular — last year’s league champion and state qualifier.

“I expect Monticello to be top team in our conference. They return a lot of talent from last year’s team,” Green said.