One of this year’s South Seneca fall sports highlights was the Girls Varsity Volleyball team finishing second in the Finger Lakes West this season with a record of 11-7.

Behind those efforts, South Seneca Girls Varsity Volleyball Head Coach Laura Wyckoff was recently named Coach of the Year by the Finger Lakes Times. We recently caught up with Coach Wyckoff about what the recognition meant to her.

Here is that conversation:

Q: How long have you been coaching volleyball? 

Laura Wyckoff: I have been coaching volleyball for four years, but throughout the different seasons have coached ten different teams. 

Q: How many years have you been the volleyball coach here at South Seneca?

LW: I have been the varsity coach at South Seneca for two years, prior to that I coached JV at South Seneca for one year. 

Q: What did winning Finger Lakes West Coach of the Year mean to you?

LW: It brings me happiness to know that the hard work being put into running a program is being seen by others. A lot of time and dedication goes into coaching, so it is reassuring. 

Q: Why do you think your coaching was recognized this year in particular? 

LW: I think my coaching was recognized this year because of how hard all of the girls work and the drive they show during every match while my energy on the sideline matches theirs! 

Q: What will you remember most about this year and this year’s team? 

LW: The thing I’ll remember the most, is that no matter what came our way as a team our resilience always pushed forward when we stepped on the court. We shared a lot of laughs from our car rides to summer league, team bonding, and spending time together almost everyday for two months. This will be a team that I’ll never forget! 

Q: What have you been thinking about since the season has ended and how are you going about getting ready for next year?

LW: My brain really never takes a break from what the next year brings or what the next step is! We are starting our club season here soon, which will bring most of the team together for the winter season before starting up summer league and open gyms! 

Q: Anything you’d like to add?

LW: Thank you to my assistant coach, the junior varsity coach, and all of the girls. I would not be able to earn this award without the help of you all!