Lee Trawick: Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
On Tuesday, March 21, Branford High School varsity volleyball Coach Mendy Sikes decided it was time for her to step down as the Buccaneers' head coach. However, after many discussions with her family and support group, Coach Sikes decided she could not trade the Buccaneers' orange and blue for any other colors, nor could she sit by and watch the program that means so much to her go on without her at this point in her career. Therefore, she has decided to return and retain her position as the varsity coach.
Coach Sikes will return, along with three seniors, including 2023 Riverbend News Volleyball Player of the Year Kennedy Walker, the powerful Jayden Mosley, and a heavy underclassman roster that is highlighted by Andi Sobourin, Madison Ward, Madyson Sikes and Erika Rioux.
Coach Sikes and the Buccaneers have combined over the last three seasons for a record of 43-23, with three straight appearances in the Class 1A District Championship game, including earning the 2021 District Championship title.
Sikes told her team she was returning with a mass text that spread throughout the community like wildfire. The text read, "I'm back." Sikes has hit the ground running as if she never stepped away. Throughout the summer, it has been business as usual; she has been running summer camps and competing in an Amateur Athletic Union summer league with her varsity team.
With an experienced roster and veteran coach, look for the Buccaneers to return to the District Championship game for their fifth year in a row.