New Volleyball Coach Hopes for Growth for North Branford T-Birds

The North Branford High School volleyball team has a new coach this year in Meghan Ruszczyk, who also coached the school’s fencing teams.

The T-Birds started 2011 against a perennially tough Old Lyme, which took a 3-1 win. North Branford hosts Cromwell today, Sept. 15, at 5:30 p.m.

Melissa Hayes, Brittany Reshotnik and Kimberly Mirto will provide senior leadership as tri-captains and the only seniors on the team. Sophomore Kayla Nowak, a middle hitter, also returns with talent. 

“The girls are all very willing to work hard in order to get better,” said Ruszczyk. “They are all very dedicated to the team and the goals that we have for the year.”

With last year’s team finishing with a 4-14 record, the new coach is hoping to make some small changes to benefit the team.

“We are hoping to change the culture and mindset of the team, but
it’s going to take some time to get where we want to be,” said Ruszczyk. “My goal is to make small changes that we can build upon as we grow. When you’re trying to get better, every game is a key game. Every game is a chance to get better.”

North Branford High School's  was previewed on Sept. 13, while the  and field hockey team were featured on Sept. 14. T-Birds' fall previews will continue with boys' soccer and football. For this week's sports schedule, click .