Valencia High School Volleyball Season Preview

The Valencia High School volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting season with a talented and dedicated group of players under the guidance of their head coach, Kristin Dolan. With a strong focus on team chemistry and growth, Coach Dolan has high hopes for the team this year. The team boasts a mix of experienced and new players, including some top returning players from last season. Among them is Cayden Hobrecker, who has significantly improved in all aspects of the game. Coach Dolan praises her decision-making skills and ability to set up her teammates for successful kills. Makayla Garcia has also shown tremendous growth in her hitting and blocking abilities, while Annika Puno brings invaluable leadership and energy to the team. The addition of veteran player Addison Degars, with her strategic vision and experience, adds depth and strength to the team. The addition of new players brings excitement and fresh talent to the team. Coach Dolan has her eye on a few standout rookies who she believes will make an immediate impact on the team. Freshman Mai'ani Untalan is a versatile player who can excel in any spot on the court and has a strong understanding of the game. Nyla Wilstead's speed and offense are an asset to the team, and Kayla Rust's powerful swings make her a threat to opponents. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Dolan looks for individuals who possess certain qualities. These include being a hard worker, a great teammate, and someone who puts the team's success first. Freshman Mai'ani Untalan fits this criteria perfectly and has been named captain. However, there is still tough competition for the position, with Cayden Hobrecker and Addison Degars also in the running. Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential for any successful team, and Coach Dolan prioritizes building a strong bond between her players. She emphasizes the importance of supporting each other's goals and putting the team first. This approach helps create a cohesive and supportive environment for the team to thrive in. Coach Dolan also motivates her players to push themselves to their full potential by setting clear practice goals and having open and honest conversations with her team on a regular basis. She holds her team to high standards and sets challenging yet achievable goals that motivate them to work harder and improve. One significant change to the team's approach this year is focusing on the mental aspect of the game.