Gardner Takes Helm of THS Volleyball Program
by Briana Savidge, THS Media Reporter
Following long time coach Denise Craig’s retirement in 2015, Truman High School has hired David Gardner as the new head coach of the volleyball program. Gardner, previously a coach at Eisenhower High School in Goddard, Kansas, comes to Truman with an overall high school record of 672-159, five state championships, and three second place state finishes.
“Truman has had working, dedicated student athletes,” Gardner said. “I look forward to helping them improve as players and young ladies.”
With the loss of six seniors to graduation, Gardner is aware the team will have to step up and build their own identity.
“Since we are not overly big I feel we need to play a quicker game to create openings against bigger opponents. I have high expectations and won't accept anything less from the team. If we have practice to the best of our ability then matches will for the most part take care of themselves,” Gardner said.
Gardner has already seen the competitiveness that surrounds THS and its events.
“This past year I had the chance to watch the Truman vs Chrisman boys basketball game,” Gardner said. “I look forward to the intensity. I want to play with a never give up mentality, nothing hits the floor and for the student section to bring it when we step on the floor.”
“Truman has had working, dedicated student athletes,” Gardner said. “I look forward to helping them improve as players and young ladies.”
With the loss of six seniors to graduation, Gardner is aware the team will have to step up and build their own identity.
“Since we are not overly big I feel we need to play a quicker game to create openings against bigger opponents. I have high expectations and won't accept anything less from the team. If we have practice to the best of our ability then matches will for the most part take care of themselves,” Gardner said.
Gardner has already seen the competitiveness that surrounds THS and its events.
“This past year I had the chance to watch the Truman vs Chrisman boys basketball game,” Gardner said. “I look forward to the intensity. I want to play with a never give up mentality, nothing hits the floor and for the student section to bring it when we step on the floor.”
Returning star sophomores setter Kasia Penyock and hitter Tapanga Johnson both have high expectations for the season and for their new head coach.
“He (Gardner) is friendly, but I can tell he can be tough with us if necessary,” Penyock said.
“He (Gardner) is a really chill coach, but by the way he talks he really is here to help and take the Truman volleyball team get really far,” Johnson added.
With a strong underclassmen group returning and the addition of a renowned new head coach, the sky's the limit for the Truman volleyball program and the upcoming 2016 season.
“He (Gardner) is friendly, but I can tell he can be tough with us if necessary,” Penyock said.
“He (Gardner) is a really chill coach, but by the way he talks he really is here to help and take the Truman volleyball team get really far,” Johnson added.
With a strong underclassmen group returning and the addition of a renowned new head coach, the sky's the limit for the Truman volleyball program and the upcoming 2016 season.