New Coach Revs Up Red Devils

Strolling back into the refurbished gym at Avon Park gave new volleyball head coach Stephanie Devlin a sense of homecoming.

"I've been coaching the eighth grade at Avon Park Middle School for the past seven years," Devlin said. "I know almost all these girls and coached them. I taught them the basics of the game and watched them grow as volleyball players, and I feel really lucky to be coming back coaching the varsity."

Devlin, who takes over the varsity post for former coach Christy Hipps, coached the Red Devils once before - the 1994 season - before leaving after the birth of her daughter.

Her return to the court has Avon Park energized and excited about not only the upcoming season, but the future of Red Devil volleyball.

"I'm really happy to have Coach Devlin with us," said AP senior Melissa Tullo. "Most of the players know her and are comfortable with her coaching style. She knows the game and has already started bringing her philosophy to this team.

"I trust her to make me a better volleyball player."

Devlin's pride in Avon Park volleyball goes back to her days when she played for South Florida Community College in the early 1990s. SFCC head coach Kim Crawford and Devlin were teammates on the 1992 Panther squad that went 37-10 with a 10-0 conference record on their way to a No. 6 national ranking.

After a storied career at SFCC, Devlin was set to attend Florida Southern with Crawford, but a serious knee injury ended her volleyball career and set her on the coaching path.

"I had to have reconstruction surgery on my knee and came to the realization that my playing days were over," Devlin said. "I then turned to coaching, and after graduating from University of South Florida, I coached the Red Devils and have been on the sideline ever since."

She teaches Language Arts at AP Middle School and will still continue to coach the eighth grade volleyball team to go along with her duties with the APHS varsity squad.

Devlin's expertise will be sorely needed in 2008, as Avon Park graduated eight seniors and has just three returning starters from last season's squad.

Along with Tullo, seniors Daija Barrett and Brearnna Tate will carry the bulk of not only the scoring and defense but also are the sorely needed leadership on a young Red Devil squad.

The new coach made her first change on the team when she informed Tullo the senior would be moving from outside hitter to setter to give Avon Park an offensive presence and quarterback on the court.

Tullo was all smiles when asked if the move was going to be a big transition for her.

"I'll play wherever Coach Devlin asked me to, as long as I play," Tullo said. "I love setting and being a key member of the offense."

"Melissa is very skillful and a solid athlete," Devlin said. "She just lacks the height to be as effective at the net, which is why the transition to setter. I don't think she'll have any problem making the move.

"What I am really impressed with about Melissa has been her leadership. She's always working with the younger girls in helping with their technique. That's the kind of leadership that you are always looking for as a coach."

Barrett's infectious positive personality was on display during set and return drills, as the Red Devil acted the part of cheerleader for the underclassmen. But it's Barrett's blocking skills that will be key against the much taller teams in the district.

"Daija is a natural athlete," Devlin said. "I want to add to her skill set by having her follow the set to be in position for the block, and not chasing the play like I thought she did too much last season."

Barrett praised the new coach for her honest critique of her play and is looking forward to the challenge that a new season brings.

"I trust everything she says when it comes to the game of volleyball," Barrett said. "She's teaching us all footwork and strategy. She's given us a better understanding of the game, and I can't wait for the season to start."

The power game that Tate brings to the Red Devils is also getting a tune-up by the new coach, who has worked on the AP senior's footwork and approach to the net, while trying to corral the wildness in her game.

"Brearnna's shot is extremely powerful but also really wild," Devlin said. "I've been working with her on her accuracy and hitting her spots. She should be a much improved when the season starts."

Returning after a season in the pool is senior Logan Palmer, who is no stranger to the hard court. Palmer played volleyball for the Red Devils as a freshman and sophomore before testing the waters on the AP swim team.

"I'm really glad to be back with the volleyball team," Palmer said. "I wanted to try swimming and really enjoyed it, but it just feels right to be back here playing volleyball."

With tryouts ending on Friday, Devlin is still piecing together what is to become the 2008 Red Devil varsity volleyball team from a crop of up-and-coming underclassmen. One thing is for sure, whoever makes the team and survives a season with Devlin will be a better volleyball player for it.

"There's a lot of raw talent out there," Devlin said. "I really can't wait to teach them to become a team that others will respect."