1-on-1 conversation with PHS volleyball coach Paige Renfrow

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 28, 2015 1:48 PM

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Princeton High head varsity volleyball coach Paige Renfrow took the program to new heights last November. After two consecutive runner-up finishes in eastern regional 1-A play, the Bulldogs finally reached the pinnacle by defeating East Surry for the school's first-ever state championship in any girls' sport.

The News-Argus conducted a Q&A with Renfrow, who is an alumna of Charles B. Aycock High School. She played collegiately at Pitt Community College and continued her career at East Carolina University. She is still among the career leaders in several categories at ECU.

Q -- Who returns from a year ago, coach?

A -- Taylor Carroll, Hailey Wood, Kelsey Peedin, Emily Woodward, Peyton Whitley, Hannah Davis, Lakyn Whitley, Kortney Edwards, Beth Braswell and Emily Ricks.

Q -- Who are some players you expect could make an impact this season?

A -- I expect to depend on Emily Woodward off the bench as defense. All of my starters are returning except for Beth filling Charley's shoes, a middle (hitter) and libero, which may be filled by Kelsey Peedin. Beth is working hard in the setter position and will have a lot of weight on her shoulders. She is doing a fantastic job and has with the varsity for the past two years.

Q -- Now that you've won a state championship, is there an encore? Have you discussed as a team that you into the season as the defending state champion or do you go into the season with a new outlook -- everyone wants to be in the spot where you were last year?

A -- Of course (winning a state title) has been spoken of and the girls that were there of course want to go back. I always start small with goals at the beginning of the season. We work through non-conference, then conference, the playoffs. I would love to go back to the championship, but I like to take small steps.

Q -- How have you prepared the team for this season?

A -- We have not changed a thing. We are working to replace the positions that we lost and all the girls are working toward a starting position.

Q -- What kind of potential does this team have? Can it regain its conference-title status again?

A -- This is a strong team. All 11th-grader from West Virginia has moved in and is adding a good dynamic to the team. She is (either) an outside hitter or middle. I feel the team is very welcoming to her and her ability.

Q -- What do you like about this group of players?

A -- I have been with this particular group of girls since seventh grade coaching softball. I love that these girls dig deep to find the answer to win within themselves and as a team. They work hard together day in and day out, and give whatever it takes to get better than the day before.