The incessant sound of volleyballs being spiked and knee pads colliding with the hardwood floor pervade the gymnasium. Words of encouragement and constructive criticism are commonplace. The gym is alive with an infectious competitive nature, one that coach Lindsay Zych Franco is stressing to the Bishop Miege girls volleyball program.

Franco, the daughter of Miege head basketball coach Mr. Rick Zych, is amid her first year as the head of the program, fulfilling a literal lifelong dream.

“I have known I wanted to be a coach since I was about 5 years old,” Franco said. “I kind of grew up in this gym, so I knew from a really young age.”

Since the commencement of Franco’s career as head coach, she has found the Miege community to be exactly as she has known it through her entire life.

“It’s been very welcoming,” Franco said. “I have been a member of this community my whole life and couldn’t be happier to be here. It’s an amazing community.”

With Franco’s arrival to Miege comes a welcomed new emphasis to the game – being competitive at every moment, according to senior Clare McLellan.

“She has definitely stressed a change in the culture as a whole, being urgent with every play, working as hard as you can,” McLellan said. “Our team shirts say ‘Every Moment Matters,’ and I think that really emphasizes what she wants from us.” 

As the team embarks on a competitive season, Franco’s enthusiasm is high for the future.

“I look forward to rebuilding the program to where it is one of the most successful programs in the state of Kansas,” Franco said. “Keep the tradition alive and strive for excellence.”

This sentiment is quickly sowing strong roots in Stags volleyball, as underclassmen grow under Franco’s tutelage, according to McLellan.

“I think it’s great that all the underclassmen will have her for their future years,” McLellan said. “That’s going to translate into some fantastic leaders.”

While the team continues to battle new opponents every week, Franco’s aggressive outlook on the game inculcates a strong sense of optimism in the program.

“I think she’s really motivating, and she instills competitiveness in the team,” McLellan said. “It’s an approach that will lead to success.”