AMBOY – The Amboy volleyball season came to an end when it lost to Polo in a regional quarterfinal on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Although there was sadness from second-year coach Nicole Jones because the year was over, she immediately shifted to the positives of this year’s team and future squads.

“We improved a lot this year. We finished last season with four wins and we won 12 this season,” Jones said. “Overall, the team grew together. We are losing some seniors next year, which we will miss and they’re leaving big shoes to fill, but I have solid sophomore and junior classes coming through.

“We have some good years of Amboy volleyball coming.”

The upcoming ranks are enticing as the next few classes have plenty of girls who want to represent the Lady Clippers on the court.

And a coach who is working on herself to help the team also.

“I improved communication with the girls this season. One of my first-year coaching mistakes was I talked above them instead of at their level,” Jones said. “I’m in the business world and they’re in the school setting. There was a difference in the settings and I needed to bring it to their level where I’m a little more relatable.

“Yes, they are students and they are younger than me, but they also have life outside of volleyball going on, too. I’m trying to be more understanding.”

This year, Jones was the head coach for both the varsity and junior varsity teams while Ashley Medlin was her assistant, and Sean Shepard coached the freshman.

In 2025, a full coaching staff will allow Jones to only coach the varsity squad.

“I liked doing both because it allowed for me to show the girls they have to learn how to play with everyone because there will be overlap and others will be on the court,” Jones said. “It will be nice having a full coaching staff where I will be able to get a break from constant games and practices, and I can put more attention on the varsity.

“We will get another regional title. It has been since 1980, but we will get it done.”