ATLANTA- The start of a new school year means the start of volleyball. The Georgia State Panthers have spent their final weeks of summer in the gym prepping for the upcoming 2020 season.

Coming off a 10-17 record last year, the Panthers are returning eight players from the 2019 squad. The team is led by five seniors: Meisheia Griffin, Dzemila Hadzic, Cierra Sillmon, Jordan Shoemaker, and Leah Wilcox. The group hopes to not only have standout seasons individually, but each want to leave a lasting legacy on the program. 

"I hope we can create a team culture that inspires others," said Wilcox.

Griffin, a 2019 season All-Sun Belt Second Team selection, will continue to lead GSU's defensive charge at the net. As one of the most dominant blockers in school history, she led the Sun Belt in blocks per set last season (1.15). Her name is already etched several times in the record book, and she is sure to climb in the program rankings after this season. 

On the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers will look to Wilcox to lead the charge. The Florida native recorded the most kills on the team in seven consecutive matches in 2019. Overall, Wilcox accumulated 208 kills during last year's play, including a 22 kill game at Little Rock. Prior to the 2019 season, Wilcox played at Santa Fe College where she set a school record for most kills in a single match (24). 

In her seventh year as head coach, Sally Polhamus welcomes seven newcomers including two transfers and five freshmen. This rookie group adds depth at every position and includes two new setters for the Panthers.  

"This group is hungry to learn and they are fun to have in the gym," said Polhamus. 

In the first weeks of practice, the squad has been focusing on first ball contacts and getting comfortable in their system. Overall, Polhamus hopes the Panthers can reduce unforced errors and find kills faster during competition.  

"Everyone has brought a new level of excitement. The returners are really owning their game and stepping up into their leadership roles," said Polhamus. "I am really happy with where we are right now."

With the start of the season slated for later than usual, the Panthers have been able to adjust to the COVID-19 playing protocols. During this unique preseason, the practice schedule has been fluid and different on a daily basis. Typically, the team partakes in a group practice, a lift session, and individual sessions throughout the day.  

"Georgia State has done a fantastic job with protocols," said Polhamus. "We are happy with the protocols and progress we have made throughout this preseason." 

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