Last year the Southeast Vipers, a new club volleyball team, went through a building year. The 17 and under women's team is now going into its second season, hoping to have a successful year.
"Last year was a bit of a building season," head coach, Eugene Brown, explained. "This year we have both veterans back and new players with good foundations."
This means the team will be hitting the ground running already having played a few games against the Arcola Ladies team to prepare for their first tournament.
Brown has seen the potential of the team and stated: "I have exceptionally high expectations of them on and off the court."
The Southeast Vipers were formed after try-outs in Arcola on Dec. 1st. With girls from Carlyle, Manor, Midale, and Arcola the team is determined to work hard in order to achieve the goals they have set, which includes developing as athletes and placing in the top 20 teams at Provincials in April.
Team captain, Jordan Johnston, went on to add: "I hope to have a very positive season. We have a great group of girls; I am really excited to see us all come together as a team and improve in skills as the season progresses."
Together the girls including Johnston, Tiarah Hoey, and Alannah Bryce of Arcola, Jordan Gudmundson, Kayla Nelson, Jaida Schutz, and Carlie Standingready of Carlyle, Shelby Rose of Manor, and Hailey Bachorcik of Midale will be coming together as a team to achieve their personal goals on the court as well as the expectations of the coaches.
With four practices already completed the coaches are pleased with the trajectory of the team and how the already skilled players are improving.
Joining the team for various reasons there is a common theme amongst the girls: challenging themselves and improving their skills.
Hoey explained that she loves the sport and enjoys the challenge of defending the court. Hoping to improve Hoey is excited for the season's progression:"Mr. Brown said that I'd come out twice the volleyball player as going in," Hoey explained.
Johnston, added her reasons stating, "I tried out for the team because I love the sport. I want to improve my skills and become a better athlete both physically and mentally."
This is Brown's hope as well for all of the athletes, but in addition to this he wants the team to develop character and strive to be able to challenge themselves.
"I hope this team experience allows them to learn to challenge adversity, be gracious in defeat, and humble in their victories," Brown explained. "Not just in sport, but in life."
In Brown's past 30 seasons of coaching volleyball this is something that he has tried to instill within all of his teams.
Brown is joined by team manager/assistant coach Teresa Johnston who has four seasons of coaching behind her. Brown's son, Eric, is another assistant coach who has 17 seasons of coaching experience through high school, club, and volleyball camp instruction, as well as 11 seasons of playing volleyball. Kelly Running is the final member of the coaching staff with seven seasons of coaching experience through high school, club, and volleyball camp instruction, as well as 13 playing seasons.
In addition to the full coaching staff, a few experienced players from Brown's past teams also bring their expertise to the Vipers practices and have been integral in helping Brown form key drills to address certain skills.
"We're lucky to have the four regular coaches and another two or three experienced, quality volleyballers around as the coach to athlete ratio is low and conducive to optimal learning," Brown explained of his decision to have a high number of coaches and instructors. "This will maximize the growth potential of each player."
The Southeast Vipers are planning to enter a number of tournaments this season and are thankful for the support of the community thus far. They are determined to work hard and will strive to accomplish the goals they have set out for themselves this year.
