MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – Fans of the Panthers will see some changes this season, most notably in the form of a new head coach and different style of play.
With Ashley Krug stepping down after four seasons and two section titles to her credit, Brian Levings, an assistant last season, now takes the helm.
Levings comes with over 30 years of involvement in the sport, having previously coached at Woodland and Pioneer high schools in addition to leading nationally competitive club teams.
Favoring a power game that looks to maximize offensive output by implementing speed, strength and strategic execution, Levings knows there is a learning curve that comes with system changes explaining that, “We, as a group need to be building towards being cohesive and on the same page. For the ones that are pushing themselves and trying to become better players, I can teach them how to do or use the tools, but they need to internalize the game to feel/be successful. I feel everyone has the attributes and is very capable at working hard to get to that point.”
Key to the Panthers’ success in executing the new strategy this season will be their setters, senior Olivia Roa and junior Bethany Wilson.
While Roa has a year of experience to her credit, Wilson is making her varsity debut and Levings is pleased by what he’s seen thus far saying, “These two girls are quick and very intelligent players, as setters, they are showing the ability to adapt and work with what their teammates may need to be successful also.”
Without question Maxwell has the makings of the potent attack Levings wants, featuring senior Lylah Barrett along with sophomores Erin Dennis and Reese Vierra.
Barrett enters her third season at the varsity level and Dennis her second, while it marks the first full year for Vierra.
Another pair of seniors in Stephanie Mendoza and Makenna Dunlap should also see time in the front row, as the Panthers look to replace Fatima Cano, the team leader in kills and blocks a season ago.
Maxwell has veterans in the back row as well, with seniors Karen Alavarez-Pena and Kaylee Ballarta topping the list.
However, juniors Ruby Herrera, Jadyn Karlonas and Karina Perez will be in the running to wear the libero jersey and replace Allie Wills, who graduated last spring.
This year the Panthers will have their hands full with Mid-Valley League rivals Hamilton City, Portola and Williams, but are hoping that a challenging preseason will help prepare them for the upcoming battles and ultimately another shot at the Northern Section CIF Division VI title.
Maxwell, who finished with an overall record of 14-16 in 2024 and as the MVL’s fourth place team, hit the road to face Pierce in its season opener on Aug. 12 and is competing at Durham’s Elmeretta Brown Tournament this weekend.