Compass Academy volleyball players senior Paige Jones and junior Camille Kubacak are two of the returning players from last year’s Lady Cougar team that posted the best season in the program’s short history.
They know they have work to do if they want to help lead their team to another exciting run, but Jones and Kubacak remain upbeat as the season gets underway.
Jones and Kubacak are two of the four total returning varsity players from last year’s Compass Academy team that went 30-3 overall and 10-0 in District 3-3A play.
For both players, this season is a chance to lead the way for the younger players.
“It’s exciting because it’s something new,” Jones said. “We all know each other and get to try new things this year.”
On top of the Lady Cougars’ undefeated district run (in which Compass Academy didn’t lose a single set), the team advanced to the regional semifinals before falling to Holliday.
Among the players that graduated was Jones’ sister Carleigh Jones who was last year’s All-District 3-3A MVP.
“Obviously, we miss the players from last year. My sister was one of the graduates. We’re going to miss them. But it’s also exciting because we get a chance to start brand new and we get to honor their legacy. We get to show all the freshmen and all the new varsity players what it means to play here.”
Jones and Kubacak bring their own talent to the table.
Both players were All-District members.
The younger Jones was named the 3-3A Outstanding Hitter and Kubacak earned Co-Outstanding Blocker (sharing the award with Lamesa’s Chloe Crittendon).
However, this year will see Kubacak switch to outside hitter.
“This year, I’m learning a new position and I’m trying to improve on that,” Kubacak said. “I’m just trying to improve and work better in the back row.”
Like her teammate, Kubacak is looking forward to beginning this season.
“There’s new talent and new girls,” Kubacak said. “I love all of them already. I’m just really excited for us to have a good team this year.”
Similar to her teammate, Kubacak is also embracing the leadership role more this year, especially now that she is an upperclassman.
“I feel more like a leader,” Kubacak said. “As an underclassman, I always had someone leading the way. But this year, I’m stepping into that leadership role. Honestly, it makes me feel more confident about myself. It helps push me.”
The team began practices this week and both players have enjoyed getting back on the court.
“I’m really excited,” Jones said. “I think we have so much potential already. We all really play well together. We’re excited and sad because it’s my last first practice and last season.”
The expectation of another deep playoff run remains the same.
“We want to win district and get back to the playoffs,” Kubacak said. “I really want to go back to the regional tournament.”
