Thornwell Charter School Volleyball Season Preview

The Thornwell Charter School girls' volleyball team is gearing up for another exciting season under the leadership of Coach Emily Rhodes. With a dedicated group of returning players and some promising new additions, Coach Rhodes has set her sights on developing a cohesive team that is not only passionate about the game but also committed to individual and collective growth. One of the biggest strengths of the team this year lies in the top returning players from the previous season. With only two seniors graduating this year, Coach Rhodes has a strong core of returning players who bring a variety of skills and qualities to the team. Among them, she is especially excited to see how the two senior players, who are in their final season with the team, will perform on the court. In terms of new players, Coach Rhodes is looking forward to integrating them into the team and watching them make an immediate impact. With some talented defensive and offensive players added to the roster, the coach is confident that they will add depth to the team and help them achieve success on the court. As for team captains, Coach Rhodes values players who prioritize the team over individual gain. My captains are Reece Cummings, Janessa Centeno, and Nahla Vargas for Varsity and my JV captains are Cara Hill and Graycen Moore. Those who lead and encourage their teammates, while also setting a positive example on and off the court, are the ideal candidates for the role. With a strong group of players, the coach is confident that there will be healthy competition for the captain position this season. To foster team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Rhodes has planned various team-building activities such as tournaments, team meals, and fundraisers. She believes that these activities will not only help to build relationships among the players but also promote a positive team culture where everyone is working towards a common goal. Motivation is key in pushing players to reach their full potential, and Coach Rhodes believes in leading by example. She is transparent with her team and constantly strives to improve as a coach, mother, and teacher, to inspire her players to always aim for their best. Additionally, team-building activities and friendly competition can also serve as motivation for the players to push themselves to their limits. As with any season, there are always challenges to overcome. Coach Rhodes identifies the need for her team to focus on mastering specific skills on the court as one of the biggest challenges this year. However, she remains optimistic and sees these challenges as opportunities for the team to grow and improve. The team's schedule this season is expected to be tough, with tough opponents and competitive games.