FOLEY, Alabama — Veteran high school volleyball coach Wing Brett has taken over the volleyball program at Foley High this year and has hopes of bringing more success to the Lady Lions than they have had in the last few years.

"There's talent and definitely great enthusiasm, but it takes time to develop the team cohesiveness you need to play as a unit with consistency. But the potential is there," he said. "We just have to get more court time. But I wanted to start with the basics so I'm making the girls learn terminology and maybe little things they haven't had to do in the past, but that's something important to help us all be on the same page and I believe in communication on the court and we all need to know what terms to use."

Brett has won more than 400 games as a volleyball coach at Fairhope High School and Gulf Shores High School. He coached the GSHS Lady Dolphins to the 5A Elite Eight last season and the 5A Final Four in 2010.

At Foley Brett has nine seniors to work with including hard-hitting four-year starter Brittney Davis at the net and two juniors including Gulf Shores transfer Amanda Brett, who has two years of varsity experience at the libero position.

"It's a big group of seniors that are looking for success and as a coach, you want that motivation and usually you have to work to build it, but it's already there. They are all working hard and understand we have a common cause and that all starts with playing as a team. But we're still trying to find who can manage the pressure and stay focused. If we can find a way to get Brittney the ball so she can swing we'll score a lot of points. But we also have to get to a level where we play consistently solid defense, avoid mistakes and serve well as well as bring some other girls along. If we can do those things—and it won't happen overnight—but if we make progress, I think we can have some real success this year and i know they are hungry for it. But we'll have to learn as we go because the season's almost here.

"I can't say we'll be ready, but we'll play hard and pick up some victories along the way. So it takes time, it always does and we want to peak the last part of the season. The kids have been very receptive to what I'm asking them to do and I'm impressed with this group's desire and work ethic and that's a big part of the battle."

The Lady Lions open on the road in an "All-Cat" tri-match at Theodore Aug. 23 against the hosting Bobcats and the Citronelle Wildcats. Matches start at 4:30 p.m.