The Compass Academy volleyball team is coming off a dominating season that saw the team go 30-3 in the regular season and a perfect 10-0 in district play.
However, with four seniors back from last year’s squad, Compass Academy head coach Christina Bush knows this season will have a little bit of a rebuild to it.
But the expectations remain the same.
“The excitement level is great,” Bush said. “We’re building another team. We have four returning players from last year’s playoff team. We’re excited to build around them. Since we’ll be a somewhat young team, I’m looking forward to having them for the next four years.”
While Compass Academy may have lost some key players from last year, the team still has a few players who saw plenty of time during last year’s undefeated district run.
“This year’s team, I have four returning players that were a part of that 10-0 run,” Bush said. “They were a part of that playoff run and these players know what to expect. My expectation is for them to lead our freshman that we’ve added to the team. We’re going to continue to grow. We should be able to make another playoff appearance.”
Last season’s run ended in the regional tournament.
Among the players the Lady Cougars graduated last year include Carleigh Jones who was named the 2022 District 3-3A MVP.
Her sister, Paige Jones, returns for her final season and should be one of the leaders on this year’s squad.
“Paige Jones is a senior,” Bush said. “Her sister graduated last year. She’s going to lead the team. She’s a versatile player. She’s a strong hitter and a strong player. She’s going to come out strong and she’s very smart.”
Other returning players include last year’s District Outstanding Blocker Camille Kubacak.
“Last year, Camille was my middle blocker and now I’ve moved her to a new position,” Bush said. “She’s going to be out there with Paige on that outside hitter. She (was) a strong hitter last year. Her vertical has increased. She’ll take on that other role pretty well. If needed, we can move her back to the middle.”
All-District honorees Aubrey Molner and Chloe Villasana are also back for the Lady Cougars.
“Aubrey knows the system,” Bush said. “She’s been working hard and working on hitting. Chloe is a returning senior. She’s strong in that back row, so we’re looking at maybe putting her at a different back row position but a couple of times last year, she really dug and got those hard hits up. I’m looking forward to her doing that again.”
The Lady Cougars will begin their season at the Andrews Dual on Aug. 7 before traveling to the Monahans Tournament on Aug. 11-12.
The team’s nondistrict schedule will include a few challenging opponents that Bush said will help her squad get ready for district play.
“My thing is that I knew this year would be a somewhat rebuilding year,” Bush said. “But my main thing with the nondistrict schedule is to play as many good teams as possible, teams that are going to challenge us early. We may drop sets, but in those setbacks we’re going to see what makes us. My goal right now is to find what rotation and what group of girls will work best. That’s the fun part. Once we find the right puzzle pieces, everything’s going to be lights out.”
Compass Academy will begin district play against Merkel on Sept. 23 at home.
