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Volleyball Girls
US National High School Preview Series
Mon, September 2, 2024 at 06:09 AM . Arizona
As the North Canyon High School volleyball team prepares for another season, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. With a new coach at the helm and a strong group of players, the team is ready to make their mark on the court. We sat down with Coach Danielle Tulke to get a preview of what fans can expect from the team this year. Team chemistry and camaraderie are key elements to any successful team, and Coach Tulke understands this well. To create a sense of unity and trust among her players, she has chosen two strong leaders, Alexis Smith and Eliana Hernandez, as team captains. These girls have proven themselves as leaders on and off the court, and their work ethic and dedication have set a positive tone for the rest of the team. In addition to strong leadership, Coach Tulke also emphasizes the importance of spending time together off the court. Whether it's doing team activities or sharing meals, building relationships and having fun together helps to strengthen team chemistry and motivation. This translates onto the court, as players feel more connected and supported by their teammates, pushing them to reach their full potential. Coach Tulke recognizes the importance of the mental aspect of the game. As a coach who recently moved to Arizona from Chicago, she has adapted her coaching style to fit the new environment, but the emphasis on mental toughness remains the same. She believes that the ability to move on from mistakes and learn from them is what separates great teams from good teams. As such, she encourages her players to develop a strong mental game to complement their physical skills. In terms of training and conditioning, Coach Tulke has made some changes and improvements to the team's program. One of the key strategies she has implemented is a focus on serving to put the opponents out of their system. This not only disrupts the opponents' rhythm but also puts her team in a better position to receive the point. The team also has a designated study hall session before each practice to ensure that players can balance their academics and sports successfully. While the team is always looking to improve their skills and strategies on the court, Coach Tulke also places importance on developing her players as individuals. She wants her team to not only grow in their volleyball skills but also as young adults. This mindset helps to create a positive team dynamic and fosters personal growth for each player. Communication is also a vital component of the team's success.