By Chris Parker
El Dorado Springs has won 28 matches in back-to-back seasons. The Bulldogs accomplished their 28-4-3 overall record last year with just two seniors on the roster.
Work ethic has been key to the sustained success for El Dorado Springs volleyball.
“We have a really strong work ethic. I have a team of girls who are multi-sport athletes and that contributes greatly to our success,” El Dorado Springs head coach Ashley Rogers said. “They are very active and always focused on improving and competing. Being focused on a goal has helped us work together as a team and build a strong bond.”
The Bulldogs came up short of a district title last season, which has provided off-season motivation for the Bulldogs.
“We have a saying, ‘we never lose, we learn.’ They have taken that shortcoming and used it to better themselves in every aspect; the weight room, conditioning, individual skills, individual/team workouts, etc,” Rogers said. “Over our ‘Corona Wellness Break’, they worked hard alone and then when it was possible, they initiated team workouts until we could be back together at school.”
El Dorado Springs will go as returning all-state juniors Reese Schaaf and Tevi Gurley go. Schaaf led the team with 285 kills while finishing second with 318 assists. Gurley led the team in assists with 343 while finishing second in kills at 274. They will both set and hit on the right side.
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“These girls are competitors. They are extremely athletic but continue every day to work hard to improve, never being satisfied. They always want to do more. They show up for everything and work together to help build a strong team,” Rogers said. “I expect a lot of leadership out of both of them. They lead by example in all aspects; on the court, in the weight room, in the classroom. They have both been named to the Academic All-State Team for the past two years. They continue to impress me daily. Their desire to be the best helps drive our entire team.”
All-conference selections Macie Mays (sophomore middle hitter) and Dani Ogle (junior middle hitter) also return. Mays and Ogle accounted for 102 and 85 kills last year, respectively. They were top two on the team in blocks with Ogle accounting for 22 and Mays at 12.
Tristyn Marshall (senior libero) will be a key defensive piece after leading El Dorado Springs in both digs (304) and serve-receives (355). Brooke Ehlers (senior outside hitter) and Hanna Winburn (senior outside hitter) round out the returning players.
Abi Schmitt (middle hitter) and Gracie Mead (outside hitter) are two freshmen who could make an impact.
El Dorado Springs has big goals this year with so much talent returning.
“I have very high expectations. We have a goal in mind and will work very hard to achieve it. Our summer workouts have proven that we are ‘All In.’ That’s our motto for this year. No matter what we’re working towards, we are ‘All In’- every rep, every pass, every hit, every sprint,” Rogers said.
El Dorado Springs opens the season on Sept. 3 at home against Osceola.
