The sounds of squeaking shoes will soon echo through the halls of McKenzie School, but basketball players won’t be the source.

McKenzie will host its first ever volleyball game against Greenville, and the competition is set for Thursday, and the administration extends an invitation to those willing witness history on the hardwood.

McKenzie assistant principal and athletic director Miles Brown announced the formation of the team in May.

““It came about when Donna Byrd, who is a teacher here at our school, presented an interest in wanting to coach girls volleyball and wanting to start a program here,” Brown said.

“That’s what pretty much started the whole thing.”

The team will face several opponents both local and distant throughout the season, including Red Level, Hillcrest Evergreen, Straughn, Andalusia, Pleasant Home, Florala, Brantley, Luverne and Highland Home.

The upcoming season will prove a fresh experience for both the Lady Tigers and Byrd herself, as she will enter her first year as head volleyball coach with no prior experience.

But Byrd said that her enthusiasm dwarfs her experience.

““I’m just really excited about it—I didn’t play, but I have a girl who played that’s going to help me out, and I’ve got help from another coach in the state who’s giving me some guidance,” Byrd said.

“It’s going to be a learning process for me as well as the girls, but we’ll learn together and I’m really looking forward to it.”

McKenzie and Greenville are set to face off Thursday at 4 p.m.