As the 2019-2020 season approaches, coach Gavin Scully and the American High School Volleyball team are gearing up for a successful year. After graduating nine seniors and with only six varsity returners, the team has a young roster but is determined to continue its streak of making appearances in the NCS.
The top returning players from last season are key to the team's success and include Abby Aquino, a 4-year varsity setter with a strong serve, Isabella Zhao, the only freshman to make varsity in the past three years, and junior Kiomi Neal, a formidable middle blocker standing over 6 feet tall. Another standout player is junior libero Sydney Pagsolingan, who may be small in size but has the heart of a lion and is vital to the team's back row.
In terms of new players, coach Scully has high hopes for freshman Amyla Carlton, who he believes will make an immediate impact on the court with her fierce competitiveness and jumping ability. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Scully looks for players who possess leadership, compassion, and a competitive drive. This year, senior Abby Aquino has been named the first captain, while the remaining two positions are yet to be determined.
Building team chemistry and camaraderie is also a top priority for Coach Scully. He believes that team meals, bonding activities, and traveling to games together can help create a strong bond between the players. Motivating players to reach their full potential is a crucial aspect of coaching, and coach Scully believes in celebrating and supporting players even in the face of mistakes or challenges.
He also stresses the importance of staying mentally strong and fighting through tough moments to achieve success. The team's schedule this season will include challenging games against Logan, Mission, and Moreau, all of which coach Scully and the team are looking forward to. In terms of training and conditioning, coach Scully has implemented improvements in time management to help players balance their academics and sports.
He also emphasizes the importance of communication on the court for the team's success. The team's strengths include youth, energy, and a willingness to learn, while their weaknesses lie in their lack of varsity experience.
However, coach Scully plans on utilizing their strengths and focusing on gaining experience early on in the season. As for his coaching philosophy, Coach Scully believes in having fun, working hard, and competing with each other.
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