Eleanor Roosevelt High School Volleyball Season Preview

As the new season approaches, Coach Jeffrey Obi of Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s boys volleyball team is gearing up for another year of rebuilding and growth. After losing a team of starters and league champions from the previous season, Coach Obi’s goal is to have a successful rebuilding year and make it past the first round of CIF. With the departure of key players, the team is looking to senior leaders Tyler Williams and John Lopez to step up and continue their roles as starters from last year. Both Williams and Lopez bring experience and skill to the team, making them valuable assets. Coach Obi also has high hopes for two new players, Noah Torres and Max Lopez. He believes that they have the potential to be the best passers and defenders in the entire league, which will greatly impact the team’s success on the court. But it’s not just about the skills and abilities of individual players. Team chemistry and camaraderie are just as important for any team to achieve success. To foster this, Coach Obi has planned more team bonding events and community service, as well as weekly team meetings to discuss their approach to competition. In terms of motivation, Coach Obi takes a unique approach by reminding his players that they set the standard for themselves and the team. He encourages them to strive for greatness and not settle for mediocrity. One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this season has been finding ways to fundraise and balancing gym availability with other sports. Despite these challenges, the team is determined to have a competitive schedule, facing opponents like Vista Murrieta, Yorba Linda, and a strong league rival, Santiago. This season, Coach Obi has also adapted his coaching style to focus on raising the team’s volleyball IQ and strategic preparation rather than just skill-building. He recognizes that the mental aspect of the game is crucial for success, and emphasizes the importance of having a strong mentality. In terms of training and conditioning, the team has been hitting the weight room and working on their physical fitness since October. Their strength lies in their passing and defense, but Coach Obi acknowledges that there is room for improvement in their offensive game. Coach Obi’s coaching philosophy is to have fun while working hard, and this is something that reflects in his team’s gameplay. He believes that when players love what they do and play with a free mindset, they will always give their best effort.