The first day of practice to kick off a new season in any sport is filed with surprises, but second-year Brownwood Lady Lions volleyball head coach Cheyenne Lovelady was taken aback Monday morning as nearly 60 players reported.

“I knew there was going to be a lot more because toward the end of last year I was asking who had signed up to play,” Lovelady said. “I knew it was going to be close to 50, I didn’t know it was going to be almost 60. But it’s exciting though and a good problem to have.”

Lovelady was hired just weeks before the 2023 season began as Brownwood had its ups and downs en route to a 7-27 record. But with a full year in the maroon and white under her belt, Lovelady looks forward to a brighter 2024.

“I felt like today went really well because I was more organized and had time to prepare,” Lovelady said. “I know the girls’ names this year, and we worked through the spring on a lot of stuff. There was a lot of energy in the gym and a lot of talent. We still have a lot to learn, but it was exciting.”

The Lady Lions have a little over a week before they dive into the regular season, as the Early Lady Horns visit on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

As for the goals for the remainder of the week with the opener right around the corner, Lovelady said, “A lot of us haven’t played in a while so we need to knock the rust off before we play our first game. We’re also changing some stuff with our serve receive so I really want to make sure we’re ready for that before our first game, and we know what to do once we get out on the court. Other than that, just have fun. I really want the girls to keep coming out and wanting to play.”