Sycamore High School Volleyball Season Preview

The Sycamore High School volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting season, with a mix of returning players and fresh new talent. Coach Jennifer Charles has high expectations for the team this year, and has been working hard to prepare them for a tough season ahead. The top returning players from last season include Ava Carpenter, the only 4-year starter on the team. Carpenter has a heavy arm and a true love for the game, making her a key player to watch this year. She has also improved immensely over the past few years, making her a strong 6-rotation hitter. Alongside Carpenter, Khiara Thomas, Sydney Fabrizius, and Maddy Patton are also expected to make a big impact on the team. These three sophomores have been moved up to the varsity team and have already shown a strong desire to be pushed and challenged. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Charles looks for players who lead by example and are vocal leaders willing to go above and beyond for the team. Currently, Ava Carpenter and Kylie Walsh are the team's senior captains, and Coach Charles is also on the lookout for two more junior captains to round out the team's leadership responsibilities. Team chemistry and camaraderie are important factors for success, and Coach Charles makes sure to incorporate team bonding activities into their training, such as team dinners and a pool party at the Carpenter's house. This not only helps to strengthen the players' relationships on and off the court but also creates a sense of unity and support within the team. Motivation is key to pushing players to reach their full potential, and Coach Charles believes that setting clear expectations and giving constructive feedback, both on and off the court, is crucial. She wants her players to know that she is watching them and wants them to succeed. Additionally, the team works on mental toughness, as Coach Charles believes that volleyball is 90% mental and 10% physical. This includes understanding the game and playing at the varsity level. Preparing for this season has presented some challenges for Coach Charles, as she had to replace 11 seniors who played a big role in the team last year. However, she is determined to work with the new players and help them support the experienced players like Carpenter and Walsh. The team's schedule this year is filled with tough opponents, including Hononegah High School, which is a focus of the NIT 10 conference.