By Teddy Rydquist

Leader Sports Writer

Entering his third year at the helm, Oxford Wildcats Head Volleyball Coach Brian Kim is trying to guide his girls to their first league championship since 2007.

To put themselves in the best position to succeed, Kim is taking things “one day at a time.”

“The goal of this year’s team is to continue building the culture, program and expectations from last year. The goal is to compete hard every match and get better every day,” he explained.

Kim’s team has an intriguing combination of experience and youth. Libero Maddy Weiss, outside hitter Sydney Richter and middle blocker/right-side hitter Peyton Krajcarski are all returning seniors who are expected to provide valuable leadership after having experienced the highs and lows of the last couple of seasons.

Juniors Julia Blair, Gabby Comito, Emma LaBarge and Molly Miller are expected to play prominent roles, too.

Comito, along with sophomores Baylee Proctor and Ava Wiscombe, give this team a lot of depth at their setting positions.

“We’re returning all but two starters and our team chemistry and culture have been amazing over the summer and into practice,” Kim said. “This is a fun group to have the opportunity to coach.”

This team is ripe with potential to be a threat, but the Oakland Activities Association’s Red Division crown will not be easy to attain.

Lake Orion, the reigning state champions, will begin the season as the front-runner. The Dragons are closely followed by the Stoney Creek Cougars, who won their first outright division title in school history last year.

“We expect to fight to be in the top of the division,” Kim said.