As preparations continue for the upcoming volleyball season, the Southern Wayne Saints are entering the year with optimism and a renewed sense of confidence under second-year Head Coach Elizabeth Morgan.
Now well acclimated to the Saints program, Coach Morgan believes the foundation established during her first season is beginning to take shape. While the team remains young, she has seen steady development throughout the offseason and is excited about the direction of the program.
“We’re still a young team, but we’re growing every day in practice,” Morgan said. “This season, I want our players to play with more confidence and trust the growth that’s happening within our program.”
Returning Leaders Ready to Set the Standard
Southern Wayne welcomes back several experienced players who will play a vital role both on and off the court. Emma Kornegay, Addison McPhail, and Kassidy Williams return as key contributors and are expected to provide leadership for a roster filled with developing talent.
Coach Morgan believes their experience will be instrumental in helping the younger players continue to improve while setting the standard for the team’s work ethic and competitive mindset.
Building Character Beyond Volleyball
For Coach Morgan, success extends far beyond wins and losses.
Her coaching philosophy centers on developing student-athletes who represent themselves, their families, and Southern Wayne with pride.
“I always remind our players that they are students before they are athletes,” Morgan said. “No matter if they’re on the court or off the court, they should always represent Southern Wayne with pride and character.”
Ready for Another Challenge in the Big East Conference
The Saints are entering their second season competing in the highly competitive Big East 5A/6A Conference following conference realignment.
After gaining valuable experience last season, Morgan believes her team now understands that it can compete with anyone on the schedule.
“We know we can be competitive and play some great sets against the other teams,” she said. “The biggest thing is starting every match with the right mindset.”
Looking ahead to the season opener, Morgan wants her team to establish its identity from the opening serve.
“Our goal is to set the tone early by limiting mistakes, playing hard from start to finish, and communicating well throughout the match.”
A Program Focused on Community
Coach Morgan also expressed her appreciation for the continued support from the Southern Wayne community and encouraged fans to stay engaged throughout the season.
“We’re thankful for all of our supporters,” Morgan said. “We’ll be hosting spirit nights throughout the season to get our fans involved and create a fun atmosphere.”
The Saints are also expanding their presence beyond the gym by utilizing social media to connect with the community. The program has launched an Instagram page and is producing a volleyball etiquette video designed to educate new fans about the sport while encouraging more community members to attend matches and support the team.
As the 2026-2027 season approaches, the Southern Wayne Saints are embracing a new chapter built on confidence, leadership, and continued growth. With a dedicated coaching staff, experienced returning leaders, and a commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court, the Saints are determined to continue moving their program in the right direction.
We at the Mount Olive Tribune want to thank Coach Elizabeth Morgan and the Southern Wayne Saints for allowing us to cover this amazing team ahead of this season.