One of the newest sports at Long County High School is volleyball. The team has not had the success they hoped in four years, but has improved every season. They are confident things will change in 2025.
Tyleeah Maddox, a Blue Tide alumna and former college volleyball player at Brenau College, leads the team into its fourth season. She has been in charge of the team since its inception and she believes the team has learned a lot, but specifically the fundamentals needed to be great.
“We have learned how important it is to start with strong fundamentals and keep building on them each season. The girls need to know not just how to do something, but why we are doing it that way,” Maddox said. “We have also seen how much stronger our team is when we take the time to build real relationships. When the girls know we care about them on and off the court, they play harder and trust more. Keeping a positive environment and pushing them to be competitive at the same time has been huge for our growth.”
Those relationships have been and will continue to be key in the team’s growth and procession. The class of 2026 is Maddox’s first group of seniors she has had since their freshman year.
Those seniors leading a successful group in 2025 will make a big impact in the team continuing to grow. Maddox believes that the seniors and the addition of middle school volleyball could mean the difference in the team taking big steps going forward.
“Our middle school program is up and running for their first year, and that is a big step for us. We have had them come practice with our girls, and we have sent our older girls down to work with them, too,” Maddox said.
She also said that those connections are huge to those relationships she said are so important.
“It is helping them get a head start on skills and build connections between the middle and high school programs. We have also put more focus on building relationships with our players and keeping the atmosphere positive,” Maddox said. “...Having them believe in what we are doing makes a big difference for both myself and Coach (Elexxus) Wrighton.”
The Lady Tide have improved every year, going from one win in 2022, four in 2023 and seven in 2024. However, they have not made the playoffs yet and they hope to do that in 2025.
“We have to stay disciplined and limit our unforced errors. Communication is huge, and everyone has to know their role and be confident in it,” Maddox said. “We also have to trust each other and keep a positive attitude through the highs and lows of the season. Staying healthy and keeping our energy up all the way through will be key.”
Regardless of the final record and if they make the postseason, Maddox’s biggest goal for the team is to compete and play hard every game.
“A successful season to us is one where we compete in every match, keep improving each week, and the girls are proud to be part of this program. Wins matter, but so does growth in skill, teamwork, and confidence,” Maddox said. “Our athletic director and admin have been such a big help in wanting to build this program, and having their support makes a huge impact. If we keep building relationships, keep the atmosphere positive, and keep pushing each other to get better, that is a win in our book.”
So far, the season has gotten off to a successful start. The team started undefeated for the first time in team history with wins against Dublin and Tattnall County to start the year. They beat Bradwell Institute last week, but fell to Liberty County in a non-region contest.
Still, sitting at 3-1 on the year gives Maddox hope for the season.
“We expect us to play with heart and be competitive in our region. We want to put ourselves in a position to fight for a playoff spot. We have the talent, the work ethic, and the support to make it happen. If we stay focused, committed, and positive, we believe we can do it.”