ITG Next spoke with new Ponte Vedra girls volleyball head coach John Goings, who takes over for three-time state championship winner Robin Mignerey.
Q: After serving as assistant coach for two years, you’re entering your first season as head coach of the Sharks. What are some goals you have for this Ponte Vedra girls volleyball program going forward?
A: As I enter the 2022-23 season as head coach, I don’t really have my own personal goals for the Sharks other than putting the team in a position to compete at their best, and most importantly, to enjoy the game.
I feel the Shark athletes should be involved with those decisions. During our first team meeting/practice, we will break down our practice and long-term goals to attain for the year. I always like to get their input so they are empowered to speak, and then they all can hold each other accountable to try and achieve their goals. Everyone has a voice in this decision and then I’ll add my expectations at the end as far as individual and teamwork. We are all in it together!
Q: How beneficial is it to have a player with the experience and talent of Zeta Washington entering next season?
A: Zeta Washington has grown to be one of the best athletes and more importantly a consistent lead-by-example leader on her team. She and setter Jessica Shattles have become a top duo in the country. They communicate and keep everyone focused in practice and keep the energy going on and off the court. They both are very good students and very artistic as well. It is a pleasure to be able to assist these young ladies to achieve their goals.
Q: Who are some other players that could play key roles for this team in 2022?
A: Ava Grall, Outside/R, made varsity her freshman year, and is a hardworking, very consistent hitting and passing player. She will be a junior this year and the ceiling is the limit for her.
Chelsea Sutton, 6’4″ Middle, is another junior, and she works very well with Zeta and Jessica. Her hitting has dramatically improved, but she is known as “The Wall” because of her blocking.
Jessica Shattles, Setter, can’t stay out of the gym and is always asking for extra reps. She can put the ball wherever the hitters ask and runs her offense without hesitation. Her defense and blocking have improved so much, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her volleyball IQ is through the roof.
Ava-Grace Reddick, AG, is a senior outside hitter who possess an incredible arm swing and gives defense a fit trying to dig her.
Cassidy Miskowiec, 6’1 right side, has a huge block and her offense has no ceiling. She’s only a sophomore, but we are expecting big things out of her and her awesome smile all the time.
We also have an incoming freshman, Libero (A.W.), and some other sophomores in this class that I am keeping a secret. With so much talent it should be exciting.
Q: As head coach, what are your thoughts about what this Ponte Vedra girls volleyball team could accomplish in 2022?
A: Accomplishments for this team this year will be based on hard work and growing as a team. If they believe in themselves the sky is the limit. Our coaching staff will be by their side in every way, from drills to tournaments, and the Sharks will be ready for the task at hand. Our schedule will not be easy, but these players, from freshmen to seniors, have their eyes set on a state championship!
