By Chris Parker
Verona volleyball has a new head coach in Haley Kleine this year. Kleine will look to help the Wildcats bounce-back from a five win campaign last year.
She will rely on a quartet of seniors to help lead the team. That group includes: Alyssa Tosh (setter), Yoselin Martinez (Outside), Grace Nelson (middle), and Pada Thao (DS).
“With four returning seniors, our leadership on the court will be strong. All four players have experience and we are looking to them to be an example for our younger players who will be filling some big shoes this year,” Kleine said.
Sophomore setter America Castillo returns as a setter. She will see expanded time on varsity this year.
“America will have a big impact for us this year. She saw a little varsity time last year as a freshman and will be filling a big role for us this year. Her work ethic is unmatched. She is the kind of player that will hit the floor for the ball every play, you can’t ask for much more as a coach. She will also be looked upon as a leader this year for her game knowledge,” Kleine said.
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Sophomores Zoe Saylor (outside) and Meghan Long (backside hitter/setter) also return.
“Zoe will be a key player in the front row this year. She also saw a little varsity time last year and will be stepping into an outside hitter position. Zoe is the player you want on the floor to help keep up the team morale, she is encouraging and truly loves the game,” Kleine said. “Meghan is a role player. She is smart and knows what to do with the ball. She will be a rock for our team in making key decisions when it really counts.”
Junior transfer Aubrey Baker will make an impact this year.
“We only got her for the last part of the summer, but I am excited about the impact she will have on our team,” Kleine said. “She is knowledgeable about the game, and will be a powerhouse for us on the front row. I think she will be a great addition.”
Verona’s path to success will start on defense.
“I think our biggest strength this year will be defense. From what I have seen this summer, these players work hard. We lost two of our main hitters to graduation and will have young players filling those shoes this year. While I have no doubt they will step up to the plate, we will be dependent on our hustle and heart this season and I know this team has plenty of that to give,” Kleine said.
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Communication is an area that will need to improve in Kleine’s first season.
“In order to be successful this year, we will need to improve our communication. Losing two senior leaders has been a tough transition on communication and with a new coach, it has made the adjustment more difficult. We will be looking to this year’s senior class to lead our team and help to guide our younger players who have not all seen as much court time. I think once we figure out our team language, we will do some special things,” Kleine said.
Verona opens the season on Aug. 28 with its home tournament.
“My overall expectations for the team this year is to grow as individuals and as a team. Everything is brand new for these girls this year, new coach, new rotations, new positions for some,” Kleine said. “All I am expecting is that we see a positive difference from the first practice to the last game, and that the girls end the season with the same love for the game that they had at the beginning of the season.”
