High expectations for Cullman with first year coach Amy Hudson:
GDW Analysis:
New Cullman High volleyball coach Amy Hudson brings with her very impressive numbers from coaching at nearby Arab High School the last three years.
Hudson was able to experience high expectations with 130 victories and back to back trips to the AHSAA 5A Final Four.
As Hudson took part in the school's media day last week from the Cullman High Tillman Center, she laid if out perfectly where she hopes the squad can be by the time they get to October.
"We have high expectations. By October, we hope to be where we want to be. We have worked hard in the summer. They have bought into what we have expected. They love each other which translates very well on the court."
Cullman was a good club in October of 2023 with eight victories out of 10 decisions. They would endure 23 wins over 13 losses.
The Lady Bearcats have been productive by earning victory 107 times since the 2020 season.
The team was represented by seniors Ava Ray and Olivia Dover at media day. Hudson has five seniors on this squad and experience to put them in a position to reach very high expectations.
"We are strong fundamentally," Hudson said. "We are not that big, We are having to compensate in that situation. We can't take any plays off."
Ray and Dover spoke high of the team's culture. Playing for each other and having a good repour with Hudson as they describe it as a "motherly affection."
The chemistry between coach and personnel is where everyone sees it to be in the quest of staying successful.
A strong schedule to start the season is right in front of the Lady Bearcats.
Cullman participates in the highly regarded Juanita Bodie Classic this weekend at the Finley Center in Hoover.
In round robin play, Cullman plays Spanish Fort at 5:00 p.m. and Lewisburg (MS) at 7:00 p.m. Friday.
The assignments for Saturday has the team taking on Grissom at 8:00 a.m. and Hewitt Trussville at 11:00 a.m.
Cullman will make the Hudson debut at Bearcat Arena the following week with a pair of tri match battles.
August 27 will see Cullman vs. arch rival Hartselle at 4:30 and facing a good Springville team at 6:30 p.m.
The 29th will be with Austin at 4:30 p.m. and vs. Good Hope in the 6:30 assignment.
A new group for area play has Cullman in AHSAA 6A, Area 13 with Jasper and Mortimer Jordan.
Hudson said that playing at the University of West Florida team camp in July was huge in learning to raise their level of play against good competition.
"We are buying in what it takes to win. We are leaning to play through growing pains."
Photo of Cullman volleyball player Ava Ray (left), coach Amy Hudson and Olivia Dover (right) during media day August 13 at Cullman's Tillman Center.
Photo courtesy of Cullman High School.
