With the spring-sports season drawing to a close, the volleyball team already is looking ahead to its fall season.

Junior varsity coach Shane Cassel will replace head Coach Bonnie Priester, who recently announced her retirement after four years at the helm.

Priester said she felt as though the timing was just right in leaving and is confident in Cassel’s ability in leading a successful team.

“The past four year [at West Shore] have been great, but I’ve been doing this for a long time now and I feel as though it’s time for me to move on, and I think I’m leaving behind a strong foundation in the West Shore Volleyball program,” Priester said.

Current players are sad to see Priester leave, but are pleased with the choice for her replacement.

“I am really going to miss Coach Priester. She has been such a big part of my life at West Shore, and I’m grateful for everything she put into this program,” sophomore Kathryn Etherton said. “However, I’m really excited to see what Shane has got in store for us next year. It’ll be fun.”

After losing four seniors, the dynamic of the team will be different and trying to accommodate individuals will be challenging, but Cassel said he is confident in his abilities and is ready to take on this task.

“Trying to fill the shoes of the graduating seniors is going to be extremely difficult, but I believe that my team next year is going to be just as strong,” he said. “My coaching style is more modern, and I think that it will benefit the team and make us stronger than ever.”

By Luisa De La Hoz