Sandra Day O’Connor High School Volleyball Season Preview

Coach Amanda Burbridge has high expectations for the upcoming season for the Sandra Day O'Connor High School volleyball team. With a strong core of returning players and the addition of some promising newcomers, the team is poised to continue its winning tradition and compete at the highest level possible. In an exclusive interview, Coach Burbridge previews what to expect from her team this season. Returning as the top players from last season are Devyn Wiest, Addi France, Kristen Sheehy, and Leylah Duran. Wiest, a powerful attacker, is not only a skilled player but also an exceptional teammate and leader. France, who plays both setting and opposite attacker, is not only a dominant attacker but also a smart setter and a great team leader. Middle blockers Sheehy and Duran bring their strong defensive skills and the ability to attack from any position to the team. Also returning to the team are Kaiya Kearney and Brooklyn Palmer, who will have bigger roles this season in terms of attacking and ball control. Both players have been working hard in the offseason to develop their skills and add depth to the team. With these returning players, Coach Burbridge is confident in the team's ability to succeed. When it comes to selecting potential team captains, Coach Burbridge looks for players who possess certain qualities such as leadership, accountability, and a strong work ethic. She believes that leadership is not just about having a title, but about setting an example for the team. Currently, a few players are vying for the captain role and Coach Burbridge is excited to see how they will emerge as leaders both on and off the court. The team's schedule for this season is filled with tough opponents and challenging games. Coach Burbridge acknowledges that the team will face strong competition straight from the beginning, with matchups against Casteel, Sunnyslope, Xavier, and in-conference rival Liberty. The team's goal, however, is not to shy away from these tough opponents, but to rise to the challenge and compete at their best every night. As the defending 6A State Champions, the team knows they will have a target on their backs and Coach Burbridge is confident in their ability to handle the pressure. One aspect that sets the Sandra Day O'Connor High School volleyball team apart from others is their focus on the mental game. Coach Burbridge recognizes the importance of a strong mindset in sports and incorporates mental training into their daily practice routine.