Dacula High School Volleyball: 2025 Season Preview

The Dacula High School Falcons are gearing up for an intense and focused offseason as they prepare for the 2025 volleyball season. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jessica Pucciano, the team is prioritizing skill development, mental toughness, and physical conditioning to push beyond past playoff performances and make a deep postseason run. Offseason Focus: Building a Stronger & Smarter Team Coach Pucciano has set ambitious offseason goals for players aiming to try out for the 2025 roster. Each athlete is expected to complete: 40,000 ball touches 40 miles of running Mental training through reading and discussing the book Mind Gym Players read and analyze the book together during school hours, fostering accountability and developing the mental resilience needed for high-pressure moments in the season ahead. Summer Training & Events 31 July: Summer League & Challenge Matches for all teams July: Team Camp led by Life University's Head Coach, Timothy Walker, at the Dacula High School facility These events will help sharpen skills, improve team chemistry, and prepare players for competition before the season begins. Returning Talent & Players to Watch With 8 returners from last season, including 5 experienced seniors, the Falcons bring a strong core into 2025. Key Players to Watch Elena Pucciano (Senior, Setter) – 4-year varsity player & court leader Amiliaa DeLeon (Senior, Setter/DS) – 3-year varsity player, versatile playmaker Alessia Kubeyinje (Senior, RS/MB) – 2-year varsity player, dominant at the net Khloe Nixon (Junior, OH) – Explosive hitter with 3 years of varsity experience Zarayah Kennedy (Junior, MB) – Athletic presence in the middle, improving each season Many of these players compete at the national club level and are aiming to continue their volleyball careers beyond high school. Strength & Conditioning Upgrades Weight training classes are available during the school day New speed & agility coach hired for 2025 – Spring training already underway March 7th Highlight: 20 Falcons attended a VIBE professional volleyball match, where they sat front row and participated in the tunnel walk-out before the game—a huge motivational experience! Community Engagement & Fan Connection Dacula Volleyball is investing in the next generation of athletes and fans through several community events: Elementary & Middle School Skills Clinics – High school players mentor and coach young athletes Student vs. Staff Volleyball Tournament – Bringing the school community together PTA Powder Puff Volleyball Event – Boys compete, while girls coach & officiate Biggest Challenges: Mental Toughness & Playoff Success The Falcons have qualified for the state playoffs five years in a row, but have only advanced past the first round once. 2025 Goal: Make the deepest playoff run in program history This will require: ✔ Laser focus & discipline throughout the season ✔ Executing under pressure in key matches ✔ A championship mindset from every player 2025 Outlook: Ready for the Next Level With a strong senior class, elite club players, and an intense offseason plan, Dacula Volleyball is determined to break barriers and take their playoff performance to new heights. Stay tuned for an exciting season from the Falcons!