Any new sports season brings a load of challenges to a team, like new dynamics, more difficult opponents and, for some, the need to get into shape.
In addition to those everyday challenges, the boys volleyball team is preparing to take on their season with the added challenge of missing their coaching staff. An additional problem they will have to face is that their seniors from the previous season have graduated. These challenges will require the remaining upperclassmen on the team this year to step up and the team to stick together. Despite this challenge, the team hopes to have a good season.
“I feel this season might be a little rough in the beginning,” senior Andre Ramirez said. “I feel if we just stay focused on what matters, we should be able to stay on our feet and possibly progress in our skills and communication-wise.”
Now that the search for a new coach is ongoing, there are certain qualities that some members of the team would like their new coach to have, like being able to motivate their players to get out of their comfort zone and do something they are not used to. But they also want a coach who has an empathic and understanding side to them.
“I would like for them to be able to make us uncomfortable – not uncomfortable in a bad way, but bring us out of our comfort zone so we can get used to what we’re not used to and [be] better,” sophomore Donate Gaddie said. “They can be strict but have a soft side, not just on us 24/7 but ensures to motivate us and pushes us to be better as a team.”
Along with all the other challenges the team will face will be, being unable to practice until a new coach is appointed. So far, the search for a new head coach has been unsuccessful, currently the athletic department is planning on having the team operate with an assistant coach from the previous season.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have a head coach but we do have some coaches that were part of the program last year that want to stick around.” We’ll operate under an interim head coach, most likely be Jassmine Perez and she’ll take over and manage the team this year and we’ll move forward from there.” Athletic Director Derek Moyers said