Coaches tap North Summit, Waterford

SANDY — The Ravens have enjoyed moderate success on the volleyball court, but a new student hopes to raise their level of play and expectations.

"We have a pretty good bunch of athletes," said Waterford head coach Steve Manning. "We have a new transfer from Skyline High, and she's used to playing a much more diverse offense. She's trying to get us to try some of those things, and I think it will expand our repertoire. It's brought a kind of enthusiasm to the other players."

That player, senior middle hitter Julianna Simon, has been able to persuade her teammates to try some new things without ruffling any feathers.

"She's been great, and the other girls have been great," said Manning. He credits all of the players for being willing to learn from a new teammate and not being threatened.

Waterford is led by junior outside hitter Nikita Thomas, "who can jump right out of the gym," said Manning, and junior middle Liz Lyon and junior outside hitter Elyse D'Astous. The team is also helped by four seniors who have played in the program all four years of high school and graciously accept their role on a team with some very tall and talented athletes.

"They're the scrappiest members of the team," Manning said. "They're wonderful kids, who if they were a foot taller would be on the court all the time. They're first-rate, top-flight kids who understand they have to play a certain role on this year's team. They set the pace at practice."

One of those is the team's setter, Maddie West. The other seniors he said set the tone for the team are Madi Horne, Caity Happ and Kim Rasmussen. Lauren Shih is also "one of the steadiest defensive players on the team."

The Ravens' line-up is also bolstered by freshman MacKenzie Mitchell, who is playing opposite the setter.

"She hits the back set well and is a terrific blocker," Manning said. "She's about 6-feet tall, which makes her taller than any other player I've coached at the school before."

The Ravens will need all the plays they can come up with to get past the team coaches voted No. 1 for the second year in a row — North Summit.

"Our big rivalry, in its second year, is North Summit," Manning said. "They came down and spanked us. They didn't make a mistake."

Manning is hoping that if the Ravens play their best volleyball in Coalville, they might actually get the best of the Braves.