Denair High varsity volleyball head coach Christy North has high hopes and expectations for this fall season.
The Coyotes are coming off back-to-back losing seasons in North’s first two years since moving here from Southern California. But with a roster that has just about a dozen players she is looking to build a stronger program in Denair.
“I am used to having a large core that volleyball is their primary sport. For very few kids here volleyball is their primary sport, maybe four of the whole varsity squad,” said North. “My guess is because we don’t have that experience, we are going to have to focus on defense. It has to be good and on point, because we need them to not be afraid to take that hit or be in the right spot and dig it, and they won’t be intimidated.”
Digs are a huge part of the game and surrounding teams have seen major success after perfecting digging attacks.
“I hope that we can be the spoiler for somebody else. Odds of us beating Ripon Christian or someone like that in league are slim,” said North. “But we could, there is one day that we can just make it happen and I want to instill that in them. The one thing I talked to the girls about was that oddly enough in the past we had girls that had skill. The girls are ready to fight and be aggressive.”
Denair is looking for a turnaround season.
Since 2012, they have won just a total of eight games.
This year’s Coyotes team has a number of multi-sport athletes on the roster.
Out of the current 12 players, five are seniors, while the squad is led by captain senior Roxy Chavez.
“Roxy is the primary setter and captain, and throwing her out there as the vocal leader. I will depend and lean on her for leadership and everything,” said North.
Along with Chavez, the other seniors include Delaney Dunn, Chloe Padgett, Bailey Pittman and McKenna Potter.
The five juniors consist of Jordan Adams, Dakota Dutey, Isabella Libby, Allison Neal and Aolani Rodriguez.
Kinsley McFarland and Caitlin Warda are the sophomores on the team.
Denair will open up the season at Turlock Christian at 6 p.m. Aug. 29.