Howard Said Jets Season Was Honor

The Cumberland County High School volleyball team wrapped up the 2024 season last week with a 32-8 record.

Following a 2023 season that saw them win just two games, the Jets put together a season that saw them compete for a district and regional title. In his first season with the Jets, head coach Rodney Howard said this season was one he soon will not forget.

“I think I had an enormous amount of fun,” Howard said. “Just being able to come into a program that was failing for many, many years and be able to bring some light to the community, to the girls, to our school, that’s one of my dreams come true.”

With the Jets playing 55 games in total this season, Howard said he is thankful to have such seasoned players that are both a joy to coach and be around. As a Cumberland County alum, Howard said it was his goal to transform the volleyball program into a prestigious program.

“That’s what I’m there for, I want it to be a volleyball school,” Howard said. “When you think of Cumberland County, you think ‘hey this is going to be a hard time when we go to Cumberland County to try and win a volleyball game’ So, that’s what I’ve been stating from the very beginning and that’s what it’s turning out to be.”

According to Howard, team buy-in was not an issue in his first season. He said his players gave him 100% dedication the whole season and did not just go through the motions of the season.

With seven juniors returning for their senior season, Howard said his team will have the chance to go where no Jets team has been before.

“Next year’s goal, is really shooting for winning the state tournament,” Howard said. “There should be no reason that we should not be in the state tournament even contending for it in Murfreesboro. So, that’s what we’re looking forward to and we have the personel to do it with the amount of experience these girls have.”