After many years of different coaches, the Verona High School volleyball team hopes to remain successful with former James Caldwell High School coach, Jeff Stiefbold.

Coach Stiefbold had quite a reputation at James Caldwell, where he coached from 1988 to 2009, and led his teams to a career of 497 wins, 15 conference championships, and six Essex County championships. He is known for his hard- to-beat, determined teams and he hopes to continue this legacy and reputation at Verona.

The team has had to acclimate to different coaching techniques over the last three years.  After former VHS coaches Christine Sepcie, and Helene McKelvey stepped down from their coaching positions, Molly Dowd was hired for the 2012 season. After that season ended, Dowd decided to take a job as the assistant coach at Montclair Kimberly Academy.

With the hiring of such an accomplished coach as Stieflbold, there is some sense of relief among the team that they may not have to deal with a coaching change for a long time.

After being coached by a not-so-vocal Dowd last season, the team was taken by surprise with the aggressive “in your face” coaching technique Coach Stiefbold brings.  Some say they are still getting used to it.

Senior captain Madison Misuro said “I was excited to get such a well-known coach, but at the same time it’s bittersweet because we only get to be coached by him for one year and won’t get to progress with his knowledge like the younger girls.”

When asked how she likes him now that he’s been around for a little, she admitted that it “can be frustrating” and said he “brings a suspenseful vibe.”

Courtney Hoffman, senior, said “he’s much more intense than previous coaches, and that’s something we’re not used to. He doesn’t take things lightly, and wants things done his way or no way. I know he’s being hard on us to help us in the end, though.”

Getting to know new people can be difficult, and the girls on the team agree they are still trying to get used to Coach Stiefbold’s coaching techniques.

The team currently has a 9-6 record, and hopes to do well in the county tournament, as well improve their record as the season progresses with its newest addition to the team.