Waynesboro volleyball players embrace family culture under new coach

WAYNESBORO — Latoya Diggs is excited about her first season as the head volleyball coach at Waynesboro High School. The former Waynesboro player and assistant coach takes over for retiring coach Lori Aleshire this season.

“We have an incredible group of athletes who embrace the family culture and the concept that being intentional and mindful of the work they put in not only helps them become better,” Diggs said, “but also helps the person next to them.”

The work done by the players during this pre-season has even helped their coach get used to his new role.

“Their desire to go to the gym and get better while helping their teammates get better makes the transition easier for me,” she said. “Knowing that they trust me to help them become not only great athletes but also great people really means the world to me.”

Waynesboro is coming off a 9-14 season in which it missed the playoffs in Region 3C. Kaitlyn Hull, a member of Shenandoah’s first-team all-district last season, is gone, but the Little Giants returned two players who were second-team all-district players.

Junior Morgan Sites, an outside hitter and setter, and senior hitter Kristin Tortorice both return for Waynesboro this year.

Junior Aaliya Diggs also returns in the libero role.

Freshman Ava Buckmaster joins the varsity team this year. Her coach said Buckmaster has strong all-around skills and the determination to improve while pushing the person next to her to improve as well.

“A successful season will be considered one where the girls give their all throughout the season, regardless of the results,” said Latoya Diggs. “I saw a group of very determined student-athletes who want to be pushed beyond their comfort limits. This group is selfless and it motivates them to see their teammates succeed. As a coach, that type of culture makes me proud.”

More: Expectations are high as Grace Christian football team looks to defend VACA title

Waynesboro Volleyball Match Schedule 2024

08/27 in Rocktown
8/29 Page County
Fluvanna County Invitational Tournament on August 31
9/5 Monticello
9/9 in Page County
9/10 at Monticello
9/12 Fort Defiance
9/16 Rocktown
17/09 in Staunton
Stuarts Project September 24
09/26 at Buffalo Gap
10/1 at Wilson Memorial
10/3 at Riverheads
10/8 at Fort Defiance
10/10 Staunton
17/10 in Stuarts draft
22/10 The bison pit
10/24 Wilson Memorial
29/10 River heads

More: Prosecutor’s Report: Waynesboro Police Officer’s Use of Deadly Force in I-64 Shooting Was Justified

— Patrick Hite is a reporter at the News Leader. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at [email protected] and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to newsleader.com