Dos Pueblos High School Volleyball Season Preview

The Dos Pueblos High School Men's Volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting and competitive season this year. With their sights set on reclaiming the Channel League Title and making a deep run in the CIF playoffs, Coach Ehren Hug and his team have been diligently working towards their goals. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Hug about his expectations for the team, key players to watch, and strategies for success this season. When asked about their overall goals for the season, Coach Hug's response was succinct and clear: "To get another Channel League Title." This has been a consistent goal for the team since their last title in 2018, and they are determined to reclaim it. With strong rivals in Santa Barbara and San Marcos, the team knows that they will need to be aggressive and consistent in all areas of the game to come out on top this season. Coach Hug emphasized the importance of aggressive serving, a spread offense, and relentless defense as the keys to success this season. In terms of returning players, the team has several standouts to watch out for. Senior captain and libero Ezekiel Tynes will once again be a key defensive player, with his unwavering determination and effort to get to every ball. Senior outside hitter Jan Schmidtchen, also known as "The Flying Dutchman," has a powerful jump serve and continues to improve his skills on the court. Senior middle blocker Nick Clifford-Schultz's height and ability to move the ball around make him a formidable force at the net. Coach Hug also highlighted the return of UC Irvine commit Micah Goss, who is coming back from injury and is expected to have a strong final high school season before heading off to play at the D1 level. When it comes to new players, Coach Hug mentioned that junior setter Wyatt Silver will be stepping into a starting role this season and is proving to be a true "volley nerd" with his dedication to improving his skills. Junior outside hitter Kawin Ramko is also expected to make an immediate impact on the team with his athleticism and well-rounded game. In terms of team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Hug believes it is essential for success on the court. He emphasized the importance of communication and constant encouragement among the players. This, along with leading by example and playing with a strong mental focus, are qualities that Coach Hug looks for in potential team captains.