Richmond will have a new opponent and a new head coach on the sideline when the Spartans open their varsity volleyball season.

After beginning each of the past three seasons against Oak Grove, Richmond will open the 2026 campaign Sept. 3 at home against Lathrop. The match will mark the head coaching debut of Katelyn Jeffers, who served as an assistant to Tatha Farnan last season.

Jeffers and the Spartans have spent the summer preparing for the opportunity.

“Luckily, we get to open our season at home, and we are hoping we come up with a win to start the season,” said Jeffers. “We have been pouring blood, sweat and tears into this program all summer long. We are ready to show ourselves this season.”

Jeffers will be assisted this season by Lindsay Adams and Jenny Burnett. Richmond has five returning letter winners and four returning starters, all seniors: Paige Logsdon, Haylee Marrant, Kaitlyn Marrant and Avory Oliphant.

While those seniors provide experience, Jeffers is looking throughout the…