As we approach the start of a new high school volleyball season, all eyes are on the Sanger High School team. After a strong performance last season, the team is determined to continue its success and compete for the D1 CIF Central Section Championship. We had the opportunity to catch up with Coach Scott Okada to learn more about the team's top returning players, new additions, training methods, and overall goals for this season.
One of the team's biggest strengths lies in their returning players. With a mix of experienced seniors and talented underclassmen, the team has a solid foundation to build upon. Senior setter Giovanni Valencia has grown and developed tremendously over the past year, becoming an all-around player and a leader on and off the court. His consistency and leadership will be crucial for the team's success this season.
Another key player is senior opposite hitter Cody Coles, a four-year varsity player and the team's best athlete. Coach Okada sees him as a leader in both kills and blocks and expects him to play a vital role in the team's offensive strategy. Additionally, 6'8 senior middle hitter Micah Cole may only have 1 and 1/2 years of experience in volleyball, but his height and athleticism make him a matchup problem for any team.
The team will heavily rely on him to continue developing and utilizing his strengths to their advantage. In terms of new players making an immediate impact, Coach Okada has his eyes on senior libero Ryan Vang and sophomore outside hitter Sebastian Salazar. Vang will be stepping into a new role, requiring him to become more consistent and steady in serve-receive and defense.
Salazar, who was a reserve player last season, is expected to be one of the team's most dynamic offensive players with his heavy hand and will be crucial to the team's success. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Okada looks for players who possess important qualities such as a positive attitude, great work ethic, effective communication, and consistency.
This season's captains are Valencia, Coles, and Vang, all of whom will be responsible for motivating, supporting, and holding the team accountable. Team chemistry and camaraderie are crucial for success, and Coach Okada emphasizes this through his team's dynamic. He aims to create a positive and supportive environment for his players, where they can hold each other accountable, motivate one another, and bond through team-building activities.
This is essential for a team to work cohesively and achieve their full potential. Motivation is also significant, and Coach Okada strives to push his players to perform at their best. He emphasizes the importance of communication and avoiding assumptions, reminding his team to speak up and hold each other accountable. Through team bonding and creating honest and vulnerable moments, Coach Okada aims to push his players to realize their potential and go beyond their perceived limits.
This year, the team faces a unique challenge in the form of a young roster, with only two freshmen, three sophomores, and two juniors. Coach Okada and his coaching staff have focused on making practice as challenging as possible to help the players grow and improve every day. They continue to push the team to realize their capabilities and strive for more, despite their age or experience.
The team's schedule consists of five tournaments, including the prestigious La Jolla Beach City Invitational and the Justin Ebner Memorial in San Jose. Coach Okada has high expectations for his team, and he plans to use these tournaments as an opportunity to test their skills against tough opponents and continuously improve throughout the season. Coach Okada's coaching style remains consistent, with a focus on challenging the team through a strong schedule and integrating strength training and injury prevention methods for their physical well-being.
However, he has made adjustments to suit this year's team, nurturing a young group and instilling the importance of being both competitive and kind. The mental aspect of the game is also a crucial component for Coach Okada and his team. He understands that this year's group is new to the higher level of play and the expectations of the program. As such, he aims to balance toughness and support, reminding his players to push themselves while remaining a supportive and caring team.
The team is gearing up for a strong season, with a focus on building their confidence, trust, and belief in each other. Coach Okada's coaching philosophy revolves around developing good human beings while also teaching them the importance of competitiveness. He aims to instill a sense of fire and determination in his team while also reminding them to maintain their kind and compassionate nature. As the Sanger High School volleyball team prepares for an undoubtedly challenging and exciting season, Coach Scott Okada and his players are confident and ready to compete at their best.
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