SIDNEY - The Sidney High School volleyball team will be under new leadership next fall. Julie Smith, who took the helm in 2020, will not return as head coach in 2025.

Smith led the Lady Raiders to the 2022 Nebraska School Activities Association Class B State Tournament. The team concluded that season with a first-round loss to Norris in three sets.

Under Smith's leadership, Sidney achieved a 108-60 record. The Lady Raiders were district runners-up in 2020 and 2021 and clinched the district championship in 2022.

This season, three players earned spots on the Western Conference All-Conference teams. The Lady Raiders finished with a 17-17 record and ended the year 1-1 at the Class B-8 Subdistrict Tournament at Gering High School. 

Before joining Sidney, Smith coached in Sutherland. As an athlete, she competed in volleyball and basketball at Mid-Plains Community College and Idaho State University. Beyond coaching, Smith serves as a counselor at West Elementary. 

Activities Director Austin Lewis praised Coach Smith's hard work and all she accomplished with the school's volleyball program.

The school has not announced plans for selecting a new head coach.