Federal Way High School’s volleyball team is up and ready for the new year, although the team has had a rough start.

The team lost its first match against Newport High School from the Bellevue school district.

New coach Donja Walker was unable to attend Tuesday’s match — she gave birth to a baby boy that same day.

Walker is optimistic about this year’s team, despite its many “learning curves.”

She projects the first part of the year will require many changes. Not only is this Walker’s first year, but the team is starting with several new players. All but six players are new to the team.

“We even have new uniforms,” Walker said.