Sandy volleyball enters season with experienced core and emphasis on teamwork

By Jules Rogers, the Sandy Standard

Sandy volleyball is heading into the new season with a mix of returning experience, new varsity players, and a strong emphasis on teamwork.

Head Varsity Volleyball Coach Katie Tankersley said she is optimistic about what the Pioneers can accomplish this season, pointing to the team's attitude and willingness to improve.

“I am feeling great about this season! This team has a great attitude and is willing to work hard to improve their skills and their game,” Tankersley said.

The team returns six players, all of whom played key roles last season. Tankersley said the returning players bring valuable experience and leadership, while the team's new varsity members have quickly become an important part of the group.

“The new varsity members respect them and what they have to say, but the returners also have respect for the new members,” she said.

Tankersley said that mutual respect is part of what makes this year's team unique.

“The team's personality on the court is selflessness and encouragement,” she said. “They are willing to do anything it takes for each other and help each other along the way.”

Sandy will also have to adjust after graduating seven seniors from last year's team.

“The seniors that we lost played a big role on last year's team,” Tankersley said. “The returners this year have really stepped up to lessen the blow of losing seven seniors!”

Last season also gave the returning players valuable postseason experience, as the Pioneers advanced to the second round of the state tournament.

“We had a great experience last year getting to the second round of state, and it gave these players a taste of what it's like to win and keep moving on,” Tankersley said.

This season, Tankersley said the team will need to consistently win quick sideouts and control the tempo on their side of the net.

Behind the scenes, Tankersley said the coaching staff is focused not only on developing volleyball skills but also on keeping practices competitive and teaching players lessons they can carry beyond the court.

“Practice can become a bit mundane, especially in the preseason before we start competing,” she said. “We put a big emphasis on making sure we are running our practice at a quick pace and changing things up with different competition-style drills to keep the healthy competition between players.”

For Tankersley, that development extends beyond volleyball.

“Our goal as coaches is to grow these young ladies into young women,” she said. “If there is conflict, go talk to the person. When somebody is doing a great job, tell them!”

Communication is also a major part of building chemistry within the team, Tankersley said.

For Tankersley, the athletes' attitude is one of the things she enjoys most about coaching the group.

“I love the attitude of these athletes,” she said. “When they step into the gym they are ready to work hard and make our team better.”

As the season gets underway, Tankersley hopes fans will see that same energy reflected on the court.

“I want the community to see great sportsmanship and a lot of energy.” she said. “When fans come to see us, they won't be able to help but join in the excitement.”