Former coach set to again lead Hempfield girls volleyball

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, September 2, 2017 | 10:24 PM

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Typically, it is a tough transition when a coach takes over a program that advanced to the state playoffs the year prior. Expectations are sky high, and that can be a lot to handle.

That won't be the case for Kathy Kuhns.

Kuhns will be entering her first season as coach of the Hempfield girls volleyball team, but has been involved with the program as an assistant and coach of the freshmen for a number of years. She also was the head coach at Hempfield 20 years ago.

One of the reasons Kuhns took the position was she felt like she owed it to the girls to make sure they didn't have to endure another transition to an and unfamiliar coach.

“I took the team because I didn't want these kids to see another transition year,” Kuhns said. “They had that two years ago. I have coached these kids for a long time.”

One player she has coached since she was born is her daughter Gabby Kuhns. Gabby is a senior center and one of three returning starters from a team that won a section title, advanced to the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals and earned a berth in the PIAA playoffs. She also serves as the buffer between her mom and her teammates.

“Gabby started the season apologizing to her teammates for me when I am particularly tough on them, however they understand they must face pressure during practice in order to perform during the big games. This is a competitive group and they work hard.”

The other two returning starters alongside Gabby are seniors Kierstin Schade and Ashley Roberts. Kuhns also will start two sophomores: MeKayla Dedo at middle hitter and Olivia Persin as the setter.

The Spartans lost eight seniors to graduation, but the two main cogs were Gabby Holmberg and Christie Redinger.

Holmberg was all-WPIAL and all-state selection at outside hitter, and Redinger had been the starting since her sophomore season.

Even with a new coach and only three starters returning, Kuhns believes as long as her team takes care of business, they can repeat the success of the 2016 Spartans. Their first task will be Wednesday, when they host Bishop Canevin in a nonsection match.

“My main goal for the season is to have good ball control and play consistent volleyball,” Kuhns said. “If we do that, I believe we will contend for the section title.”

Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hempfield Area