She has some pretty big shoes to fill, but Jena McFaddin is looking forward to taking over the reins of Western Albemarle’s volleyball program.
“I’m a little nervous,” McFaddin said, “but I like the challenge.”
McFaddin, who was an assistant coach last year at Western, replaces Lance Rogers, who led the Warriors to nine Jefferson District championships in as many years at the school.
“I want to keep the winning tradition going at Western,” McFaddin said. “But my goal also is to instill in the players a love of the game and to help them understand that playing this sport is not a right — it’s a privilege.”
Her other goal, McFaddin said, is to lead the team to another appearance in the state tourney. Western advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
“We’re excited by the energy and passion Jena shows for the sport of volleyball,” Western Albemarle athletic director Steve Heon said. “We look forward to her continuing the tradition of success in volleyball that Western has enjoyed over the years.”
McFaddin knows a little something about success on the court. She was a four-year starter at James Madison University and played for the elite Austin Jrs. club program in Texas. While at JMU, the San Antonio native set school records for most digs in a season, holds the JMU and Colonial Athletic Association career digs record with 2,189, and ranks among the NCAA career leaders in digs. College Volleyball Update named her one of the top five liberos in the nation in 2006 and 2007.
Western setter Riley Martin said she’s looking forward to next season with McFaddin and noted that her teammates respect McFaddin’s competitive drive, knowledge of the sport, and no-nonsense coaching style.
“She’s s intense and serious but she’s calm at the same time.” Martin said. “She’s gone through all the same things we’re going through and really understands what it takes.”
McFaddin will have lots of talent to work with. The Warriors went undefeated in the district last season and are only losing one player to graduation — JD player of the Year Ana Asher.
