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August 24. 2010 2:04PM

Things change.

And regarding the Brandon Valley volleyball program, a new varsity coach this season is the most recognizable change.

Lindsey Smith, a 2000 graduate of Brandon Valley, has taken over the program from Kathy Hunt, who ended a 12-year coaching career here – 27 years in all total.

“I want to come in with an open mind, it’s a clean slate,” said Smith, who coached the Tea Area Titans last season. “We need the girls to get their mindset for change, and hopefully they’re adapting to the change and are up to the challenge.”

During tryouts last week, Smith said top-level players – freshman through seniors – all had an opportunity earn a spot on the varsity roster.

“We’re building more than just a volleyball team here,” she said. “We’re building responsibility, we’re building character and we’re building a work ethic, which all leads into when these girls get a job,” she said.

While the varsity and JV rosters hadn’t been determined by press time, Smith said three seniors – all returning letter winners – will be called on to lead the Lady Lynx this season. Those players are Andrea Hanson, Jessi Peterson and Robyn Moss.

“I think we have some strong players in these three,” Smith said.

Peterson has served as the team’s starting libero since her freshman season. Last year, she led all liberos in the state with 463 digs. Hansen, Smith said, “knows the game of volleyball up and down.” And Moss, a power hitter, led the Lynx last season with 49 defensive attacks. “Robyn is a good player, has a good attitude and work ethic,” Smith said.

The Lynx, coming off a 7-15 season, are aiming to improve on that mark this year. And Peterson believes it can be done.

“If everyone works together and we get the fundamentals down, we can do that,” she said.

Hanson said Smith brings a new outlook to the program. “It’s going to be different, but it’s good for us to get a new perspective,” she said.

With eight seniors lost to graduation, Smith has several positions to fill. Among the graduates is Katie VandeVoort, the team’s longtime setter, and power hitter Lexy Maassen. “Katie was awesome and so there are some big shoes to fill,” Smith said, adding the position is up for grabs.

Smith cites Aberdeen Central and Yankton as two of the top programs in the Eastern South Dakota Conference. “Aberdeen has a good program and Yankton is always strong,” she said. “But everybody has a chance. On any given night, anyone can win.”

Sioux Falls Lincoln is also considered a solid team, Smith said. Hanson agrees, but throws Sioux Falls Roosevelt into the pack as well.

“With a new coach, if we’re able to adjust, I think we should do pretty good,” Moss said.

The Lady Lynx open their 2010 season on the road at Sioux Falls Washington on Friday.

BVHS 2010 Volleyball Schedule
Aug. 27 at S.F. Washington 7 p.m.
Aug. 31 Watertown 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 at S.F. Christian 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 at Huron 2:30 p.m.
Sept. 7 O’Gorman 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Yankton 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 Aberdeen Central 2:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 Mitchell 7 p.m.
Sept. 21 S.F. Roosevelt 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 at Brookings 7 p.m.
Sept. 28 Yankton 7 p.m.
Oct. 2 at Pierre 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Mitchell 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 Huron 7 p.m.
Oct. 15 Pierre 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 S.F. Lincoln 2:30 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Watertown 7 p.m.
Oct. 22 at Aberdeen Central7 p.m.
Oct. 28 Brookings 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 District 2AA 7 p.m.
Nov. 9 District 2AA 7 p.m.
Nov. 12 Region 1AA 7 p.m.
Nov. 18-20 State (Yankton) TBA