It's an exciting time for the Highland High School volleyball team as they gear up for a new season with high hopes and expectations. I had the opportunity to speak with Coach David Stowe about the team's progress and potential for the upcoming season. Here's what he had to say about the team's top returning players, potential new impact players, team captains, chemistry and camaraderie, coaching style, mental aspect of the game, strengths and weaknesses, and his philosophy for the team this year.
"Our overall goal this year is to make the playoffs and be more competitive than we have been in the last few years," says Coach Stowe. With that in mind, the team will be relying heavily on their returning players who have the experience and talent to lead them towards this goal. Some of the players to watch out for include outside hitter Isaiah McGilbray, setter Elijah Lindain, outside hitter Diego Nevarez, and middle hitter Jathan Theadford McNairy. Coach Stowe describes them as "extremely talented and game-changers on any team they decide to play on." These players will be instrumental in setting the tone for the team's success this season.
In addition to the returning players, Coach Stowe is also excited about four new players who are expected to make an immediate impact on the team. These players are freshmen Isaiah McGilbray (libero), Michael Chavez (hitter), and Christian De Guzman (hitter). All three have shown great potential and could easily start in any varsity team in the league.
Leadership is a crucial aspect of any team, and Coach Stowe puts a lot of emphasis on it. When asked about the qualities he looks for in potential team captains, he says, "They need to be loyal to the program, to themselves, and their teammates. They are expected to be leaders on and off the court and should possess qualities such as commitment, coachability, discipline, dependability, talent, accountability, resilience, and respect." With three incoming freshmen potentially starting on varsity, the team has a pool of candidates who could fill this role.
Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential ingredients for a successful team, and Coach Stowe has a plan in place to build a strong bond among his players this season. He believes that the captains play a significant role in this by setting a good example and fostering a positive and supportive environment. The team has been training together since fall and while it has been a challenge to secure time in the gym due to the presence of other teams, the players have made the most of the time they have had together. Coach Stowe also encourages team bonding activities outside of the gym to strengthen the players' relationships and develop trust among them.
When asked if his coaching style differs from previous seasons, Coach Stowe responds, "We expect every team in the league to give us a run for our money this year. We are excited and up for the challenge!" While he does not mention a particular change in his coaching style, it is evident that he is determined to push his team to reach their full potential and compete with the best in the league.
One aspect that Coach Stowe and his team are focusing on this season is the mental aspect of the game. He emphasizes that this is his first year working with players whom he has recruited into his system, and as a result, the level of discipline will be much higher. He believes that discipline is the key to success and is instilling this value in his players through their training both on and off the court.
As with any team, there are areas of strength and weaknesses that the Highland High School volleyball team possesses. Coach Stowe believes that their strength lies in the fact that they have a lot of fresh talent and dedicated players with lots of experience. On the other hand, their weakness is their young roster, but he quickly adds, "However, they are very talented!" With careful guidance and development, their youth can become an advantage for the team in the long run.
When asked about his coaching philosophy, Coach Stowe says, "We require our students to have great grades even before we start. If you do not have the grades up to our standards, you will not play for us." This shows that he values not only the players' skills and performance on the court but also their academic achievements. He wants his players to excel both on and off the court, and hence, he expects them to maintain high academic standards. In addition, Coach Stowe and his team have adopted the motto, "This train is on its way to a championship, so if you are not on board, get off the tracks!" This mindset is a reflection of their determination and belief that they have what it takes to reach their goals and achieve success this season.
Coach Stowe has a message for the fans and supporters of the team this season. He expresses his gratitude for their continuous support and invites them to come and witness their journey towards achieving their goals. He also takes this opportunity to share the team's academic achievements proudly, saying, "Right now, our average GPA is around 3.5." This shows that the team is not only dedicated to their sport but also their academics, which is commendable. In conclusion, the Highland High School volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting and challenging season. With a talented pool of players, strong leadership, and a committed coach, they have what it takes to make a mark in their league and achieve their goal of making it to the playoffs.
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