Over the past several years, the program has built a reputation of developing strong athletes and competing at a high level within the state. Last season, the team made a run to the Elite Eight.
This Tuesday, at home, they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with a clean sweep in the first three games winning the match in the first round of state against the Campbell Spartans. The girls will play at Alpharetta this Saturday at 1 p.m.
This year they welcomed their new head varsity coach, Helen Walker. As the state playoffs are underway, the Marietta volleyball team hopes to make another deep run and continue their tradition of excellence with her.
Coach Walker brings a wealth of experience and new energy to the program. Before joining Marietta, she worked with one of the top Division III schools in the country and even coached athletes who went on to compete with Team USA. Her knowledge of the game, combined with her passion for developing players, has quickly made an impact on both the team’s performance and their team culture. Players say that Coach Walker challenges them to grow every day while still making practices enjoyable and team-centered.
“This season has been very long and challenging. The team has been very bonded and they have had a lot of fun together both on and off the court,” Holland Poor (11) said.
From team dinners and bonding events to long hours of practice, the players have created a close-knit group that supports each other through every match and every tough workout. Their chemistry shows not only in their friendships but also in how they play together on the court.
With practices almost every day and one or two games each week, the players have been putting in effort to prepare for playoffs. Their hard work has paid off, as they have already earned 17 wins this season, putting them into position for postseason play.
Many of the players say that Coach Walker’s leadership and the team’s positive energy have helped them stay focused and motivated throughout the year. The support from fans, families, and the Marietta community has also played a role in their success, with packed stands and loud cheers at nearly every game. The players say that the encouragement gives them confidence.
Each athlete is encouraged to take pride in representing Marietta both on and off the court by Coach Walker, who has underlined the value of accountability and leadership. Knowing that their efforts are part of something greater than their own accomplishment inspires the athletes to work even harder than before.
“This team is growing fast. They’re learning to trust each other, stay positive under pressure, and play with more confidence. We’re not perfect yet, but the progress we’ve made already has me excited about the future,” Walker said.
Q&A with Coach Walker
Q: What inspired you to coach?
A: Volleyball has given me so much — confidence, teamwork, resilience. Coaching is my way of giving that back. Seeing players grow on and off the court is what keeps me excited every day.
Q: Future Goals for the Program?
A: Long-term, I’d love to bring volleyball to our elementary schools and MSGA so kids can start learning the game earlier. Building that foundation will make Marietta volleyball stronger for years to come.
Q: How long have you coached volleyball for?
A: I’ve been coaching for about 15 years, working with everyone from beginners to all the way up to Team USA–level players. I’ve even coached at the college level, including time with Emory University — one of the top DIII programs in the country. My coaching style is very technical. I love breaking the game down and helping players understand the “why” behind every skill.
Q: What is your volleyball experience?
A: I played professionally for 10 years, training over 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. It was tough mentally and physically, but it taught me discipline and how to perform under pressure. Those lessons help me support my athletes now when they face tough moments.
Q: How did you decide to come to Marietta High School?
A: Marietta’s spirit really drew me in. The school, the players, the families — everyone cares. It felt like the perfect place to build something special and grow a family.
