While many sports fans equate the month of August with football, there are another group of athletes preparing to begin their season as well.

Volleyball players across the nation are hitting the court, figuratively and literally, as they prepare for a new season.

At Charles Henderson, the Lady Trojans have the large task of living up to 2012’s stellar season. Last year, Charles Henderson won its area, and advanced to the Super Regional at the Cramton Bowl Convention Center in Montgomery.

Lady Trojan head coach Jennifer Sikes said that the goal for this season has not changed

“This group knows what it takes to win, and is willing to put in the work to get it done,” Sikes said. “If we want to get back to Montgomery, and make it past, we have to work hard every single day.”

The Lady Trojans enter the season with a young, but experienced group of players. Sikes said the team boasts four seniors, as well as a great crop of underclassmen.

Sikes feel that one of the biggest issues for her is finding six players that fit a specific role on the team.

“They are all talented in every part of the game,” Sikes said. “They all can attack, set and play defense. I will probably start the season and not play a libero for the first few games. We have girls that can play left side hitter, middle hitter and right side. It is a very good problem to have.”

Charles Henderson is also blessed with quite a big of height, which in volleyball is always a plus, says Sikes.

“I mentioned to our assistants that this is probably the tallest group I have ever had,” Sikes said. “It doesn’t guarantee you anything, but it helps those battles at the net.”

Charles Henderson begins the season Aug. 29 at Goshen.

The two schools have developed somewhat of a friendly rivalry of the past few seasons, with Sikes and assistant coach Debbi Smartt routinely chatting with Goshen coaches Dee Hughes and Amy Warrick.

Sikes said that the opening game against the Lady Eagles will be a big one.

“We will find out what we are all about that day,” said Sikes. “Coach Hughes and Warrick do a great job, and will their team ready. We have the talent to be really good, we just have to play like it.”