BLACKSBURG – Captain Abby McKinzie began the day by taking over Virginia Tech volleyball's Instagram account, an exciting day that started the 2019 campaign.
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, the 17 players got to Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum Saturday morning at 9 a.m. and kicked off their first practice of the season.
McKinzie, who is one of four seniors, did some behind the scenes on @HokiesVB, getting in on all the feels with it being her last preseason with Tech.
"It's very bittersweet," McKinzie said. "But we had a really solid first practice, which was exciting. It's really good to be back in-season and getting going.
"At the same time, it has already flown by so I know that this season is about to fly bye even faster, which makes me sad. But I'm looking forward to soaking it all in."
The goat himself, former Hokie football coach Frank Beamer, also made an appearance, speaking to the team mid-way through practice with some encouraging words.
Big S/O to the 🐐 for stopping by our first practice today 👊#Next | #Hokies 🦃 pic.twitter.com/2Yn3V4bDHp
— Virginia Tech Volleyball (@HokiesVB) August 10, 2019
The theme for the season is #Next, which stands for having the mindset that you have to be ready to move on to the next play, challenge and day. And, by doing so, being able to learn from failure, too.
That mindset was on display today, including being showcased by the four newcomers. Freshman Cera Powell, an outside hitter, thought the team has bought in so far to the concept and enjoyed her first time practicing at the college level.
"It was a little stressful at first, but then it was fun once we got into playing live," Powell said. "I thought it went pretty good.
"I think we're buying into our theme pretty well and being super close, which we got close fast, has helped that, too."
Tech will come back later today and practice for a second time, as it enters in Year 3 of the Jill Wilson era.
First serve this fall will come on Aug. 23 at Cassell Coliseum at Carilion Clinic Court against JMU at 6 p.m. ET in an exhibition.
Gallery: (8/10/2019) 2019 VOLLEYBALLFIRST PRACTICE