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CANBY -- After putting together several successful seasons, the Canby volleyball team will enter 2026 with a new-look roster.
Head coach Jenai Wright returns to lead the Lancers, who will look to continue building on the success the program has enjoyed in recent years. However, Canby will have plenty of new faces on the court after graduating eight seniors from last year’s team.
Wright knows replacing that much experience will require players to embrace new roles, but she believes the group is ready for the challenge.
"The girls have been battling for positions after we graduated eight seniors last season," Wright said. "It may be a bit of a reloading year for us, and many are up for the challenge."
With so many players stepping into new roles, Wright said effort and teamwork will be especially important. Volleyball requires every player on the court to contribute, and the Lancers will need everyone to buy into their roles as they work through the early part of the season.
"The girls know that when they step on the volleyball court they will have to continue to work hard and not let the ball drop without an effort," Wright said. "The incoming players are supportive of each other, and that’s a plus since in the game of volleyball, it takes all six players on the court to 'buy in' and work together as they battle for each point."
Canby will face another difficult test in a competitive conference, making preparation even more important. Wright said the team has been working consistently in practice to develop the skills it will need to compete.
"On-target passing and tough serving has been our primary focus in practices daily," Wright said. "We won’t have much size in the front, but we will make up for it by defending well. We are still figuring out different lineup combinations and will be ready for our first match on Sept. 1."
The Lancers’ defensive mentality could become a major strength as the season progresses. Without as much size at the net, Canby will look to make up for it with strong passing, serving and defensive play.
While the lineup is still taking shape, Wright said the team’s chemistry has already provided plenty of encouragement for the coaching staff.
"Our coaching staff has already noticed the positive chemistry in our program," Wright said. "That is huge. The girls understand that volleyball is such a team sport -- without a good pass, the set may be off, and then the hit goes out of system."
That understanding of how each part of the game connects will be important as Canby develops its new lineup. Wright believes a strong team culture can help the Lancers navigate the inevitable struggles that come with a young or inexperienced roster.
Mental toughness will also be a major focus. Wright said the players need to remain positive and control their mindset regardless of the circumstances they face.
"Players have to be reminded of controlling their mindset daily -- no matter what the task is," Wright said. "Negative thoughts bring anybody down, so we strive to have a program where players are not only supportive of each other but also supportive of themselves."
With eight seniors gone, Canby will have plenty of new players looking to make their mark. The Lancers will have to develop their lineup while competing in a tough conference, but Wright believes the team’s work ethic, chemistry and defensive mentality can help it continue the program’s recent success.
Canby will begin its season Sept. 1, when the Lancers put their new-look roster to the test for the first time.