Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory Volleyball Season Preview

The Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory team is gearing up for an exciting season ahead. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Nga Tran to get an insider's perspective on the team's goals, players, schedule, and coaching philosophy. Coach Tran's overall goal for the team this season is to finish in the top three in their league. This is no easy feat, especially for a team that is not known for their size. However, Coach Tran believes that their scrappy style of play and efficient ball control will make up for their lack of height. She also mentioned that the team always plays like underdogs, with a constant drive to prove themselves. The top returning players from last season are Ethan Arguello (Sr - OH), Sloan Dobson (Jr - OH/S), and Callum McArthur (Sr - Opp). According to Coach Tran, these players are the pulse of the team and possess strong leadership and experience. They are expected to anchor the team both offensively and defensively. As for new players, Coach Tran believes that Kowie Apana (Sr - S), Marc Gomez (Sr - Li), Oskar Ovalle (Sr - OH/Opp), and Christoph Schroeder (So - MB) will make an immediate impact on the team. Kowie Apana will serve as the setter, while Marc Gomez and Oskar Ovalle will bring strong ball control and a fearless attitude to the team. Christoph Schroeder, despite being a new player, is expected to make an impact with his quickness and blocking abilities. One of the key qualities Coach Tran looks for in potential team captains is their ability to lead and inspire the team to be better. This year's captains, Kowie, Ethan, Callum, and Sloan, have all earned their spot through their hard work and dedication during workouts and tryouts. Building a strong team chemistry and camaraderie is crucial for any team's success. To achieve this, Coach Tran organized a team retreat over the past weekend to build a sense of inclusiveness. She noted that the team is a tight-knit and competitive group who support each other and genuinely care for one another. When it comes to motivation, Coach Tran believes that the team's tradition and strong team culture play a significant role. She also mentioned that there is no room for egos on this team, and everyone is expected to work hard and earn their opportunities.