CHESTER – The Yellowjacket volleyball teams and football team will report to team practice this week to start their seasons. There is a lot of excitement around both sports after successful seasons last year. The Lady Jackets program returns six varsity players and welcomes an energetic and talented group of 10 freshmen.
Coach Crystal Muncrief is taking over the program this year as head coach with help from Coach Susan Muncrief and Coach Jasmine Newman.
Crystal and Susan Muncrief are familiar to the girls and to the program, and while Newman may be a new face to the players, she knows the program, as she is a Yellowjacket alumni and former Lady Jacket athlete.
The Lady Jackets face a challenging early schedule and high expectations; the team is eager to get started.
“We know we are going to be tested early, but that is exactly what we need. We believe this group has the potential to do something special,” Crystal Muncrief said.
Leading the charge are four seniors, who bring leadership, composure, and work ethic to the court. The loss of last year’s standout class leaves some big shoes to fill, but the returning varsity players are ready to step up, and the incoming freshmen have already begun making their mark in preseason training. The Lady Jackets will begin tryouts on Friday, August 1 at 2 p.m. Players need to bring water, knee pads, and court shoes. The first varsity tournament kicks off the season on August 21 in Lufkin.
The Yellowjacket football team is just as excited to get started. The Jackets return five offensive and five defensive players with 15 total returning lettermen. The Jackets have a lot of experience coming back and looking to make their mark in school history. Coach Coleman Butter will be leading the Jackets as head coach with help from Coach Matt Bryan and Coach Evan Stewart.
Butter said they are excited for the season, ready to get started, and if the team can stay healthy and injury free this should be a special season. The Jackets will report on Monday, August 4 at 1 p.m.
Athletes need to only bring cleats as everything else will be provided. The first scrimmage is scheduled for August 15 at Katy Faith West, with kickoff at 6 p.m.
