Fowler returns to coach NMCC Lady Eagles

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

sports@standard-democrat.com

NEW MADRID -- After nearly a decade away from the sidelines, Diane Fowler will once again be at the helm of the New Madrid County Central volleyball program this season as the Lady Eagles look to replace a senior heavy group from 2012.

"NMCC just hasn't had many new openings and enrollment keeps going down so they asked me to come back," Fowler said. "I enjoy the kids and always did enjoy coaching volleyball so I came back just to coach for the year."

Fowler replaces Brad Kolwyck, who coached NMCC the past two seasons but stepped down to hold an administration position within the school system.

In Kolywck's last year the Lady Eagles posted a 20-13-1 record before a loss to Dexter in the Class 3, District 1 quarterfinals ended their season.

Coming back to the program, Fowler brings with her plenty of knowledge of NMCC athletics having coached the Lady Eagles volleyball team on-and-off for 25 years. After that, Fowler took the position of athletic director with the school, which she held until a few years ago.

She inherits a team that lost seven seniors to graduation this past spring and currently has eight seniors, most of which saw at least some playing time last season.

NMCC's most notable loss is that of Hunter Hewitt, who will be playing at Crowley's Ridge College this fall. The Lady Eagles return both Whitney Williams and Lindsey Carlisle, who both saw regular playing time last season.

"I like the way the girls are working well together and we'll have to see what happens," Fowler said. "We worked a little bit in practice on (Monday) in pressure situations and we didn't look too good.

"I'm hoping we'll pick it up a little bit and be able to handle the pressure and play the way we've been playing in practice."

NMCC opens their season tonight against Gideon with junior varsity action starting at 6 p.m. and varsity following directly after.

With her team looking to fill plenty of holes left from graduation, Fowler stressed continuing improvement and a positive attitude will be key to the Lady Eagles' growth this season.

"We just want to continue to improve and work together well as a team," said Fowler. "As long as we can keep emotions under control and keep progressing I'll be happy with them."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: