Teage Wings approaches the court to serve for game point. The roar of applause and chants from the Hampshire stands goes silent to let her focus. The only sound left is her footsteps and then, the contact of the ball.

McHenry Volleyball teams had their first game of the season versus Hampshire on Aug. 27.

Alexandria Muschong is the new head coach in the Mchenry Volleyball program. This is her 7th year coaching volleyball, and her first year at McHenry. She coached club volleyball in the St. Louis area for 3 years and then moved back home here and coached in the area.

“Overall I feel like we had a great start to the season.” Muschong says. “The game wasn’t the outcome that we wanted but tomorrow is a new day and all we can do from here is get better.”

Coach Muschong says her biggest coaching philosophy is that athletes are able to learn life lessons from the sport that they are going to use later on in life. For example, there are going to be times you fail even after trying your absolute best, you have to make the decisions to get up and try again or give up.

“Coach Muschong pushes us to get better.” Varsity player, Sophomore Teage Wings says. “She always helps us adjust and gives us helpful tips to do so. She coaches every player really well.”

Win or lose, one of the biggest goals for the volleyball program this year is staying optimistic and growing the team and sport in McHenry.

“This year, I feel the program is very organized.” Junior Varsity, Sophomore Rylie Davis says, “I definitely feel like we have a good season ahead of us.”

Muschong believes with progress throughout the season it is very possible for the team to make a run for state in the future.

“I feel like it’s a rough start with a loss,” Junior Varsity, Sophomore Brooke Rockweiler says, “but now we know what we need to work on. Our next game we’ll go in prepared, and hopefully get on track to a winning season.”