By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

ALABASTER — Tony Boyd knows a thing or two about the game of volleyball.

Boyd has been the head coach of the Kingwood Christian junior varsity volleyball squads for the past three seasons, building quite a resume for both he and the program. The team made the AISA quarterfinals his first season and the finals his second season before the team went undefeated and captured the title in 2013.

Boyd can now add varsity head coach to his resume as well, as he takes over the program from Stephanie Cox.

Boyd said he felt his familiarity with the program and the players helped out his cause a great deal.

“I think when I took over, the girls knew what I expected,” he said. “I…expect to win, to get everyone on the same page and get the best out of our girls.”

In his first act as head coach, the Lions took home the AISA Elite Eight preseason tournament Aug. 9, knocking off Bessemer Academy in the finals.

Boyd said he felt the structure of his practices helped give the girls the ability to take the title.

“A lot of the time, I believe they can (win) when they may not necessarily believe,” he said. “I think I’m bringing the ‘finish’ mentality. We practice to win and play to win. My job is to get the best out of every girl.”

Boyd also said he believes in teaching players not to strive to be a superstar that carries a team, but to be a strong teammate.

“I think from top to bottom, (we) teach girls what it means to be a great teammate,” he said. “You can be a great player but not a great teammate. I’ve harped on (attitude) and work ethic. You’ve got to come to the gym ready to work.”

Boyd said he felt that his team was close to taking Kingwood volleyball to the next level in AISA play.

“I eat, sleep, breathe volleyball,” he said. “It doesn’t help I have two daughters to coach. The parenst, kids and school, they know how passionate I am about the game of volleyball. I’m committed, they’re committed. I’m excited. I see a great year on the horizon.”