New-look Lady Broncos prepping for season
Adyson Shay and Brooke Jernigan call for the ball during Saturday’s Tree City playday.
Boyd has almost completely changed its look entering the 2026 season.
Emily Davis is in as a first-year head coach after spending one season as an assistant for the Lady Broncos. On the court, many of the program's cornerstone players from recent years have graduated, opening spots all over the rotation. And even the uniforms have a different feel this year as the Lady Broncos traded in their traditional blue-and-orange long-sleeve jerseys for pink tops this season.
The program’s new coach, roster and look all were out making their public debut Saturday at the Tree City Invitational, where Boyd dropped matches in straight sets to Tullahoma, Coffee County, Franklin County and Cascade. While the results weren't what Davis or the Lady Broncos wanted, the first-year coach saw exactly what she hoped from a team still learning to play together.
"It's honestly surreal," said Davis about coaching her first matches and seeing the team on the court for the first time. "They came out today and you could tell they were a little nervous, but they've overcome it. They're playing the best they can and I can't ask for any more."
For Davis, the biggest takeaway wasn't the scores. For a group still learning the game, the growth she watched throughout the day was exactly whe the Lady Broncos needed.
"They're getting more comfortable. We have three girls who have never played volleyball in their life," said Davis. "From the first game to the second game and throughout the day, you can tell they're getting more comfortable with the court. They're understanding what to do better, understanding the sub patterns better, understanding the rules. They're warming up to the game."
Brit Ralph, now a seasoned junior after two years in the starting rotation, embraced the role of leader Saturday. Once an outside hitter, Ralph now can do a little bit of everything and showed it Saturday. She put together several strong runs from the service line and played all over the court, usually direct many of Boyd's younger players into the right positions while keeping the team's energy high.
At the net, sophomore Madi Noll continued to show why she could become one of Boyd's biggest weapons, using her length to alter points around the net. Sisters Adyson and Ally Shay shared the court some throughout the day, while freshmen Aliyah Searight and Brinlie Greer got their first taste of high school volleyball alongside sophomore Brooke Jernigan.
The Lady Broncos also expect to look much different once setter Kariana Ferrell and junior Elly Schoolfield return to the lineup. Both missed Saturday's tournament, leaving Boyd without two of its most experienced players. Ferrell has directed the offense for the last two seasons and is one of the team's best servers, while Schoolfield provides versatility with the ability to contribute in the middle and on the back row.
Those early growing pains are exactly why Davis wanted the Lady Broncos to challenge themselves before the regular season begins. Saturday's tournament served as the first measuring stick, with another test awaiting next weekend at the Attack at the Rock tournament in Gatlinburg.
"It's helping us see how the season can go," said Davis. "Right now, we're not in our original rotation with a couple of girls out, but it helps them see how it's going to work throughout the season. It prepares them for what's coming in the games that will count, so it's all about finding out what to expect."
The day also marked another milestone for Davis personally. Just two years ago, she was still on the court as a player. Now she's pacing the sideline as the leader of the Lady Broncos, tasked with guiding one of the youngest teams in the area through its growing pains.
"It's been stressful," Davis said with a laugh. "My blood pressure may be through the roof half the time, but they're doing good. We're playing tough teams and we're taking that into account. It's definitely weird being on the sidelines now."
Boyd will get back into action next weekend in Gatlinburg before starting the year Monday, Aug. 10 at home against Franklin Road Christian School. The match will begin at 6 p.m.
