The Dawson County High School junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams got started last week.

With the first official season for Tigers volleyball right around the corner there was no time to waste.

"We are really taking this one step at a time and considering there are so many of our girls that have never played competitive volleyball before, there are many aspects of the game itself that we need to spend a considerable amount of time learning," said Coach Tanya Porter.

The Lady Tigers jump into their schedule early with the first matches on Aug. 11.

The teams began informal practices at the Rock Creek Park gymnasium while they wait for the necessary changes to be made to the high school gymnasium. Holes for the net installation must go into the floors and appropriate boundary lines must be applied.

The month of June will consist primarily of open gym hours and the real work will begin for the teams in July with the exception of dead week following the July 4 holiday.

"Hopefully by the end of June all of the girls will be on a more level playing field as far as the cognitive aspects of the game are concerned and we can spend the month of July really working on the tactile aspects of our game," Porter said.

"We have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to get it done, but our girls are eager learners and that goes a long way."

Regular practices will start at the high school during the second full week of July.

Lanier Volleyball Club will provide staffing for a team camp and lock in at the end of July to work on skills and build relationships.

"I know the girls are over-the-top excited, but I also see it in the school where I hear kids talking about it all the time," Porter said. "I know that the community is ready and excited about the addition of this new program."

As it is a new program without previous sponsors or support, the team will begin fundraising efforts immediately to help offset the costs that come with a new venture.

Though it is only the first season, Porter's expectations for the team are high. She says she'd like to see the team reach state in its first year.

"I realize that is a very ambitious and lofty goal...I say that because we fully believe we have a roster full of athletes, some with a lot of volleyball experience and some with a little, but all of them with tremendous potential."