MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – There is significant change going on within the Panther volleyball program this year which includes a new set of co-coaches, a major roster turnover and a refresh of the gym.
Amidst all that, the Maxwell squad is exhibiting positive energy in their preparation for the upcoming season as they take the first step in building a foundation for the future.
Longtime coach Danielle Willson and Bear River product Sydney Franks take the reins of the young team this year and are helped by the fact that many on the squad play club ball.
One of those the Panthers will rely on heavily is junior Erin Dennis, who enters her third year of varsity play. While Maxwell did not keep statistics last season, Dennis has proven herself to be a steady presence in the back row as well as a proficient hitter from the pin.
Dennis leads a solid group of juniors that will also have prominent roles including middle hitter/blocker Reese Vierra, Lizzy Sanapaw at opposite along with defensive specialists Jayden Justeson, Jane Silva and Ava Noel.
A pair of sophomores in Gia Rudiger and Payton Hartill will makes immediate impacts with Rudiger handling the setting duties in the 5-1 system, while Hartill is an outside hitter who plays all the way around.
Vierra was a regular for the Panthers last season, while Rudiger, Hartill and Justeson got a taste of what it was like to play at the varsity level when they were called up for Maxwell’s Northern Section Division VI playoff match against Weed.
This season will also mark the debut of freshman Ally Dennis in the middle.
Despite having just nine players, Franks says the attack is progressing nicely, but serve/receive and passing will be a point of emphasis for the team in practice this season.
To build chemistry Maxwell made the trip to Feather River College’s volleyball camp in Quincy last month, which provided valuable time on the court and a chance to play against some unfamiliar competition.
With their gym still undergoing renovation and presently without bleachers, the Panthers will spend much of the first month of the preseason on the road with the exception of home matches on Aug. 18 against Winters and Aug. 25 when Delta comes to town.
Finishing last year with a 15-15 overall record and as the third-place team in the Mid-Valley League, Maxwell will have to contend with powerful foes from Quincy and Hamilton City for the top spot, but the competition may prove beneficial come playoff time against Division VI opponents.
While the Panthers may be a year away from reaching their full potential, the seeds are being sown that will help to keep the program consistently competitive well into the future.