We are only weeks away from the high school sports Fall season in Northern Michigan.  Local teams are preparing including in volleyball.  In Grand Traverse County, a local legend is now leading the program. 

Volleyball has always been a love for Emily Wilbert.  She played for Traverse City Central during her high school days.  After college, she came back to TC Central as an assistant coach, then had the same role with rival Traverse City West.  Now Wilbert is back in Central as the new head coach.

Emily Wilbert
Traverse City Central Varsity Volleyball Head Coach
"I have done it the last eight years, I took off a little time to have some kids, I feel like now I have the time to and energy into building this program, and realizing a dream of mine."

The team was 30-16-1 last season under Jen Wright, who retired after the season. The Trojans are expected to be strong in the Big North Conference.  Wilbert says she wants to stay for the long haul and build a state power.

Emily Wilbert
Traverse City Central Varsity Volleyball Head Coach
"I think if we can break down some barriers here, and be able to push one another, and challenge one another, that is going to allow us to make each other better. I think this is going to be a really strong group."

The team is returning with 6 players, and some of the vets say they can't wait to get onto the court with the direction of their new head coach.

Phoebe Humphrey
Traverse City Central Varsity Volleyball Middle Blocker
"I'm so excited, I think she is going to be a great coach, so far the practices have been fun.  I have learned a lot, it just have been great."

Lily Briggs
Traverse City Central Varsity Volleyball Libero
"I'm really excited for the season.  We have a really great group of girls.  I can tell the way our practices have been going, that Coach Wilbert is an amazing person to lead us, so I'm excited this season."

The girls of Troy open the season at the end of this month, playing in a tournament at River Rouge High School