Waterford Kettering High School Volleyball Season Preview

As the new season approaches, the Waterford Kettering High School volleyball team is gearing up to make their mark on the court. With a mindset of change and improvement, this year’s team is determined to elevate their game and leave a lasting legacy. One of the key factors for the team’s success this year will be their top returning players. Amongst them, Coach Savannah Hewitt highlights Andrea Brown and Saraí Villegas Rosa. “These kids have a heart for the game and yearn to win,” she says. “They want their team to be the best they can be, while also learning from their mistakes along the way.” The dedication and determination of these players will be crucial in leading the team to victory. But it’s not just about individual players – Coach Hewitt also emphasizes the importance of team chemistry and camaraderie. For her, it’s not just about the game, but also about creating a culture within the team. “I look for players who can make connections throughout our program in a non-volleyball-related way,” she explains. “I want my captains to leave legacies throughout our program about how they created a different standard and culture for the upcoming girls.” This focus on team chemistry and unity will be essential in facing the challenges that this season’s schedule has in store. For the Waterford Kettering High School volleyball team, the biggest challenge is their mental game. “Volleyball is a team sport with individual minds,” Coach Hewitt notes. “On the court, we can either play as a team or play as individuals. Our mentality of whether or not we can win the next game ahead needs to change from ‘no, we can't’ to ‘even if we don't win, we put up a fight and work together while doing it.’” To overcome this mental hurdle, Coach Hewitt has made changes and improvements to the team’s training and conditioning program. She emphasizes the importance of mindset both on and off the court, stating, “Our mentality throughout school, practices, life, etc. affects our entire volleyball careers. As a team, we need to go up together. Mentality and self-confidence will break any player unwilling to look in the mirror and say, ‘I'm okay, I believe in myself, and I have confidence in myself and my team.’” With a focus on individual and team development, Coach Hewitt hopes to implement new strategies and plays this season.