LUSBY, Md. — Patuxent High School volleyball is entering a new chapter this fall with alumna Alayna R. Sievert taking over as the program’s head coach.
After serving as an assistant coach last season under her former high school coach, Sievert now inherits a Panthers team coming off a regional championship but facing the challenge of replacing four key seniors. As she begins her first season at the helm, her focus is on building a culture that extends well beyond the court.
TheBayNet reached out to Sievert ahead of the 2026 season to discuss her transition into the head coaching role, the team’s offseason work, and expectations for the year.
A lifelong Southern Maryland resident, Sievert attended Dowell Elementary School, Mill Creek Middle School, and Patuxent High School before continuing her volleyball career at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She played three seasons for the Seahawks after graduating from college a year early.
“I loved volleyball so much that I just wanted to keep on going and play at the college level,” Sievert said. “Those three years were great. I really learned a lot and definitely improved my technique.”
Returning to Patuxent as an assistant coach last season made the transition into the head coaching role a natural one. She called the opportunity to lead her alma mater an honor and believes the program has the potential to continue growing.
“I think there’s a lot of potential for how far we can go and what a great program we can become if we really put the time, effort, and dedication into it,” she said.
While Patuxent enters the season with postseason aspirations, Sievert said the team’s mindset is more important than setting lofty expectations.
“I definitely want us to fight hard every single game,” she said. “It’s not realistic to say we’re going to be undefeated and make it all the way to states. We want to fight for every point, and hopefully that leads to a lot of victories.”
The Panthers spent the offseason in the weight room, at open gyms, and in skill sessions focused on improving strength while maximizing repetitions. Sievert said just as much emphasis has been placed on building chemistry and communication, areas she believes have improved significantly over the past several months.
“We’ve learned how to communicate better as a team and become more organized,” she said. “I think they’ve really grown their bond.”
One of Patuxent’s biggest challenges heading into the season will be rebuilding its offense after graduating its starting setter. Developing chemistry between new setters and hitters will be a major priority before the season opener.
“Our biggest thing this year is developing a new offense,” Sievert said. “We have to work in new setters with our hitters and figure out what kind of tempo we want to run.”
Replacing last year’s senior class also means competition throughout the roster.
“Nobody’s spot is really set right now,” she said. “There are big shoes to fill, and the girls definitely feel that energy.”
Sievert said the returning upperclassmen have embraced larger leadership roles throughout the offseason by organizing workouts, helping plan team events, and encouraging younger players entering the program.
“They’ve really impressed me,” she said. “They’ve stepped up in encouraging the younger girls and taking leadership roles.”
Building a strong culture has become one of Sievert’s top priorities. She wants the Panthers to be known for their commitment, accountability, and support for one another, both during the season and throughout the year.
“Team culture is pretty much everything,” she said. “It’s going to lead to how your practices run, how your fundraising runs, and whether people are really committed. Talent can take you far, but adding that culture takes you even farther.”
Patuxent will be tested early with several challenging SMAC opponents, including Calvert, La Plata, and Northern. Sievert believes facing strong competition during the regular season should prepare the Panthers for another postseason run.
“If we can compete with the teams in SMAC, then we should definitely be good for regionals and hopefully have a good playoff run,” she said.
At just 21 years old, Sievert is one of the area’s youngest varsity head coaches. She acknowledged that her age may draw attention but believes her experience as both a player and coach has prepared her for the opportunity.
“I know my background,” she said. “I’ve played volleyball for well over a decade, played at the college level, and have been coaching young athletes since I became a college player. Being confident in yourself and your abilities is key.”
Regardless of the final record, Sievert hopes her players leave the season having grown both on and off the court.
“Sports teach you so much more than wins and losses,” she said. “They teach hard work, communication, leadership, and how to keep a positive attitude even when things aren’t going your way.”
As the Panthers prepare for the season, Sievert hopes the community notices the foundation the program is building.
“Patuxent volleyball is going to come out fiery and different than before,” she said. “We’re truly starting to build a strong program.”
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