By Matt Browning
With so many players back from last season’s 21-19 team, optimism is abound for the Ellsworth volleyball team this season.
“We had over 20 plus girls in the gym all summer learning the new system,” said coach Kristy Rodriguez. “Practices have been extremely competitive; girls are pushing each other to elevate their game.”
The competition in offseason workouts and early practices has led to the understanding that no position is a guarantee and that everything will be earned.
“The team knows iron sharpens iron and it’s this culture of accountability that is fueling the girls confidence,” Rodriguez said. “The are pushing each other to get better and refusing to back down from challenges. They have adopted a ‘do hard things’ mentality, understanding that growth comes through hard work, effort, and discomfort. The have fully bought into my new system. Trusting the process and each other. That buy-in paired with their work ethic, is what makes this group so exciting to coach.”
All six starters return this season for the Bearcats, including first team all-league selection Alexis Moore and four-year starter and honorable mention all-league selection Elyse Haxton. With so much experience back, Rodriguez understands how that translates into expectations.
“The expectation is to come out and compete every night to the best of our ability and if we do that we have the potential to be one of the toughest teams in our league and make a deep postseason run,” said Rodriguez.
