by Jamie Harris
Berkeley Springs High School’s volleyball program is on the move and this fall; the Lady Indians are determined to make a statement on the court. With Head Coach Ryan Fincham back for his second season at the helm (and eighth overall in coaching), the team enters the 2025 campaign focused on one thing: growth.
“Our goal is simple,” Fincham said. “Get better every day as individuals, as teammates, and as a program. If we do that, the wins will follow.”
This year’s challenge? Navigating an entirely new playoff landscape. Gone are the traditional sectionals. In their place: a super-regional format featuring eight teams — four of which the Lady Indians may not see until the postseason.
“It’s different,” Fincham admitted. “But our focus is on competing at a high level against every opponent, no matter when we face them.”
Berkeley Springs has long produced standout volleyball talent, but this year’s squad is deeper and taller than in past seasons. “We’ve got strong players across the board,” Fincham said. “If they believe in themselves the way I believe in them, we’ll do very well.”
The Lady Indians boast a solid mix of veterans and emerging stars. Five seniors and five juniors provide leadership potential, with team chemistry improving daily. 
Captains: Senior standouts Maddie Close and Macey Fincham were selected as captains, bringing energy and experience to the squad.
Players to watch
Maddie Close (Sr.) – Setter, court leader and offensive organizer.
Ryleigh Poist (Jr.) – Libero, defensive anchor with quick reflexes.
Bailee Diehl (Jr.) – Middle blocker, key to controlling the net.
Abigail Close (So.) – Outside hitter with big potential.
Other big names: Alyssa Patton (Sr.) – Opposite, Ava Slovinsky (Sr.) – Outside Hitter, Cami Andrews (Jr.) – Outside Hitter, Makayla Bowers (Jr.) – Opposite.
Coach Fincham emphasized incremental improvement in all areas rather than one major weakness. “You don’t build strong programs overnight,” he said. “It’s the daily work, showing up, staying committed, building each other up that pays off.”
Offseason participation was solid, with several players joining club teams and attending private clinics. Younger players made strong gains in summer flex practices, giving the JV program a solid foundation.
The Lady Indians have their eyes on familiar rivals in the former Potomac Valley Conference: Frankfort (AA) and Hampshire and Keyser (AAA). Snagging wins against these programs has been a long-standing goal, and this could be the year to break through.
“Volleyball is about what I call ‘loose control,’” Fincham explained. “Be laser-focused and high-energy, but play loose, stay positive, and let the game come to you. If we do that, we’ll have a successful season, no matter the scoreboard.”
With experienced seniors, hungry juniors and an infusion of young talent, the Lady Indians are embracing the marathon of the season not the sprint. “The team’s chemistry is getting better every day,” Fincham said. “Our seniors and juniors have the chance to set the tone, and if they step into leadership roles, we’re going to be tough to beat.”
As the 2025 season kicks off, the message from Berkeley Springs is clear: believe, improve, compete.
