Permenter Previews Stone Memorial Volleyball

Following a 2023 season that saw the most wins in a decade, the Stone Memorial volleyball team lead by head coach Victoria Permenter looking to build in the final weeks of this season.

Last season’s 27-10 record marked the most wins for the Panthers since 2013. Entering her seventh season as head coach at Stone Memorial, Permenter said that expectations are high for this year’s team.

“So, we’re just kind of riding that momentum into this year,” Permenter said. “You know, we lost a lot of seniors last year, but those expectations don’t change. You know, we’re coming in. We just got done with team camp. Played ten games in two days and it’s given us some hope for this year. We’re really excited about what this group can do.”

This year’s starting rotation will be missing last year’s setter, both outside hitters and libero. But as one senior class leaves, another enters. Permenter said that losing starters hurts, but this year’s replacements have impressed her early.

“The girls coming in this year, especially that senior class who has really developed the past three years, now it’s their shot,” Permenter said. “And they are coming up in ways that has exceeded my expectations.”

Permenter said that she learns something new every season and is always trying to improve as a coach. This year she is implementing scouting reports on opposing teams that her players are to study.

She is also focusing on the mental well-being of her players.

“When I played in high school it was a lot of yelling and screaming and “Do this!’ ‘Do that!'” Permenter said. “And coaches sometimes got to do that to get something out of their players. But in terms of me as a coach, I’ve really been more about explaining, letting them think a little bit more and I think that’s made me a better coach in the past couple years. So I will continue to do that and focusing on their mental health.”

“I want us to be the scrappiest team you’ve ever seen. And the most competitive. As in, you can’t teach somebody or coach somebody on their will to want to win. So I want my girls- you can see that on their face. That’s what I want Stone to be about.”