As Coach Gabriel Ylo prepares for the upcoming season at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, there is a clear sense of determination and excitement. After taking a couple of years away from the team, Ylo is back and focused on helping his players achieve success on and off the court. In this exclusive interview, Ylo shares his goals for the team, key players to watch, and his approach to developing a strong team dynamic.
The overall objective for this year's team is clear – success. With a mixture of returning players and new additions, Ylo and head coach Robert Hernandez are determined to create a winning culture. This success will not only be measured by wins on the court but also by the mindset and attitude of the players. One of the team's biggest strengths this year is their depth in returning players.
With only one starter gone from last season, the team is looking to build on the chemistry and experience they have already established. Middle blocker Andrew Rivas, libero Jonathan Andiño, and setter Adam Santellan are players to watch for this season. Ylo notes that all three have the potential to take over games and their familiarity with each other will only make their game stronger.
As for new additions, Ylo mentions the potential impact of OPP/OH Joey Saucedo. Having not played last season, Saucedo is eager to prove himself and use his athleticism to contribute to the team. With a mixture of returning and new players, the team is looking strong on paper. Leadership is an important aspect of any successful team, and Vaughn Next Century Learning Center is no exception.
While the players ultimately choose their captains, Ylo and the coaching staff have their eyes on potential candidates. They look for not only leadership qualities, but also communication, conflict resolution, and social skills. A strong team captain can make all the difference in helping the team reach its full potential. Team chemistry and camaraderie are essential in any team sport, and Vaughn Next Century Learning Center is fortunate to have a sense of community among its players.
Most of the students have known each other for years, and this familiarity helps the players understand each other both on and off the court. Ylo also emphasizes the importance of communication and encouraging a mindset of team success rather than individual success. Motivation plays a crucial role in pushing players to reach their full potential. Ylo states that understanding the players' goals and what they want to accomplish is key to motivating them.
By reminding them of their reasons for playing, the coaching staff hopes to drive their players to give their all on the court. Of course, there are always challenges in preparing for a new season. As a small school with limited facilities, it can be difficult to compete with larger schools that may have more resources. However, Ylo and his team are determined to overcome these challenges and use them as motivation to work even harder.
The team's schedule for this season includes tough opponents such as VAAS, Kennedy, Van Nuys, and Panorama. However, Ylo believes that every game is an opportunity to improve and execute their game plan. While they have a couple of games circled on their calendar, the team is always ready for any challenge. When asked about any changes or improvements made to the team's training and conditioning program, Ylo emphasizes the importance of preparing the players for practices and games.
This starts in the winter when the team starts their training a few weeks earlier to get extra work in. By focusing on conditioning and technique, the team hopes to stay strong and injury-free throughout the season. When it comes to strengths and weaknesses, Ylo mentions the team's chemistry as a major asset. With most of the players returning and a strong sense of community, the team is set up for success.
However, their lack of experience against tough opponents is a weakness they are aware of and hope to improve as the season goes on. As the season approaches, Coach Ylo has a final message for fans and supporters of the team. He simply says, "Thank you!" The support of the community and fans plays a crucial role in motivating and inspiring the players, and the team is grateful for all the support they receive. As Coach Ylo and the players at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center embark on this new season, there is a sense of determination and excitement in the air. With their goals set on success, a strong team dynamic, and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.
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