Maricopa High volleyball gets ready to win

Playing in a new division, with a new coach, the Maricopa High volleyball team is looking forward to a great season.

“I definitely have high expectations for this team,” Coach Paul Olson said.

Although Olson is new to Maricopa High School, he is not new to the sport. “I love this game,” he said.

Olson has coached for several years at the junior high level as well as for club teams of all ages. Last year he coached at Maricopa Wells where he teaches career exploration and technology.

This season not only does Olson have the task of teaching a new team his way of playing the game, but he also has to prepare them to play in a higher division.

Maricopa High’s varsity sports have moved to the 3A Division.

“I really haven’t talked about it much yet with the girls,” Olson said. “I think most of them are just excited to play regardless of who it will be against.”

Returning junior Jenny Ly said she is nervous about playing in a higher division.

“I don’t really know any of the teams in the division, except for Wickenburg,” Ly said. “And we lost when we played them.”

But, despite her nerves, Ly is excited to practice her new position as setter. Several players from last season graduated, which opened up positions for returning players from the ranks of the junior varsity and incoming freshmen.

Olson said he is excited to start his coaching career at Maricopa with a young team. “It gives us a chance to grow and learn together,” Olson said.

If the team is able to learn the fundamentals, Olson is confident the wins will follow.

“I don’t concentrate on wins or losses too much, because, if we all do what we’re supposed to, the wins will come,” Olson said.

This season Olson hopes to have a winning season and be competitive at the regional playoffs.

The Rams volleyball team will get their first chance to win on Aug.16 when they play Show Low High School.

Photo by Katie Winkley