Entering her ninth season at the helm of Tennessee State's volleyball program, head coach Donika Sutton is relying on experience, patience and culture to guide one of the youngest rosters in her tenure.

Sutton, who has 15+ years of D1 coaching experience and 11 as a head coach (two seasons at South Carolina State), has built her program around development and accountability. This season, that philosophy will be tested with a lineup featuring eight freshmen, three transfers and only three returning players.

"I am mostly impressed with how fast they have bought into the system, the standard, and the culture," Sutton said. "Our current leaders are Maygan Miller, Sagaia Reilly and Celestial Miller. They bring a lot of experience and knowledge in how to do things the Tiger Way."

That "Tiger Way," Sutton said, blends individual growth with team chemistry. "Like any coach, I want to win," she added. "But you cannot do that until this team finds its rhythm and connects. My expectation is for this team to grow together, build chemistry, and work to grow their individual game."

Sutton says her perspective as a leader has shifted with experience. "I fully understand what it takes to win in this conference and at this level," she said. "The primary goal is to develop my student-athletes on and off the court. This preseason has been about preparing to be tough defensively and obnoxiously aggressive on offense. We have a strong backcourt that I think will make a lot of noise this season."

With so much inexperience, Sutton admits the process is ongoing. But she sees potential in the group's energy and raw talent.

"Our inexperience is high, and what we are working to build the most," she said. "This is a highly talented team, and their ceilings are high. Our motors must be ready each day, and we must build connections as a team for a successful season."

For Sutton, wins will come as a byproduct of trust, growth, and resilience. More importantly, she said, the program remains committed to shaping young women who carry themselves with pride and responsibility on and off the court.