The Owego Free Academy Volleyball Team defeated West Lake to advance to the state finals this weekend (Source: Owego Free Academy Volleyball)
OWEGO, N.Y. - Owego Free Academy volleyball coach Brittney Race is preparing her players for this weekend's Class B state volleyball final.
Race, who played volleyball at SUNY Cortland from 2005-2009, has been leading the Owego girl's varsity squad to winning seasons since she became head coach in 2011.
Having won state titles in 2013 and 2015, Race is no stranger to the spotlight. Still, she acknowledges that her team has faced obstacles this season.
"We have a younger team this year compared to years past, and we really struggled early on trying to mesh our returners with the new, younger kids," Race said. "We have been battling most of the season."
Now in her seventh year as head coach, Race is already leaving a lasting legacy for the school's volleyball program.
"We have really committed players and families and a long standing tradition of success," she said. "The players that come through our program expect to do big things on and off the court. They have hardcore work ethics and a team first mentality. I think we also have a great coaching staff starting with our modified coaches and building up through. This is huge when it comes to building a successful program."
The Owego Free Academy will play two games each against John Glenn, Hudson Falls, and Cazenovia. The two teams with the best records will advance to the state final on Sunday at 2 p.m.
