Susie Tverberg is known as a softball coach. This year, however, she is taking charge of a new sport: volleyball.

Tverberg transferred from Tharptown to Belgreen this summer. She will be coaching volleyball and softball for the Bulldogs – first up, volleyball. 

Tverberg is not totally unfamiliar with the sport. She has spent the past few years officiating the game. She said transitioning to the sport will be a little easier because of the wealth of knowledge and experience on the Bulldog squad.

“This is a special group of ladies,” said Tverberg. “They have taught me more in this short period of time than I could have ever imagined possible. They have been well coached and have a lot of knowledge about the game. They know I am in the learning phase of coaching volleyball, and they have been a blessing. They know I want to help them achieve their goal, and that is to get to Birmingham.”

Tverberg said her team has a special chemistry that goes a long way toward winning championships.

“They truly believe in one another and are willing to work as hard or as much as I ask them without question or excuses,” said Tverberg. “They understand the road to Birmingham will be difficult. They also believe they have the talent and skill to get there. They have been committed to Coach (Chad) Green’s weight program, and they have become so much stronger. They have also been receptive to trying new things to help them perform at a higher level.”

Belgreen returns six seniors, which will help Tverberg as the season gets underway.

“I have been amazed at the leadership these girls have shown,” said Tverberg. “They lead by example more so than vocally.”

Seniors are Katie and Gracie Dempsey, Bailey Wood, Sydney Borden, Ansley Tate and Autumn Bragwell.

“Katie and Gracie are the most vocal leaders on the team. Bailey is our Libero. Sydney is always driven to be better. Ansley and Autumn are the workhorses of the team; they push everyone to be better,” said Tverberg.

Junior Emma Dempsey returns as the team’s leading hitter.

“Emma is very calm and so much fun to coach,” said Tverberg. “She’s like a sponge. She soaks in everything she is told. She wants to be better and will work hard to do it.”

Bailey Oliver and Kaley Chandler, Tverberg added, are two newcomers to keep an eye on.

“Bailey is an excellent passer, and we hope to use her as a Libero,” Tverberg explained. “Kaley is a hitter and is doing an excellent job at the varsity level.”