One by one, the players have entered the gyms at Permian and Odessa High, eager to get the new high school volleyball season underway this week as both the Lady Panthers and the Lady Bronchos began practices this week.
For the coaches and the players, the first week of practice couldn’t come soon enough.
“Our players are extremely energetic and excited,” Permian head coach Gillian Herrera said. “Everyone’s ready to step out on the floor. The girls picked a theme this year and it’s ‘start unknown, finish unforgettable’. I think that’s perfect for this team. A lot of girls that may not have been in the limelight last year are looking to make a name for themselves and I’m excited for them. They’re ready to go.”
Odessa High head coach Cody Dominguez echoed those thoughts.
“Honestly, there’s been a lot of excitement throughout the gym,” Dominguez said. “Everyone’s been anxious to get back on the court and everything. There’s been a lot of excitement but some of the freshman have been nervous because there are a lot of people trying out and ready to get started.”
Permian is coming off a 24-15 overall record from last year that saw the Lady Panthers go 4-6 in District 2-6A play and finish fourth.
Permian’s season ended in the first round of the playoffs with a bi-district loss to El Paso Coronado in three sets.
However, with seven returning players from varsity last year, the Lady Panthers are eager to get back to the postseason.
Among the players coming back for the Lady Panthers include Mylah Arzaga, Keeley Granado, Demri Balerio, Bridgit Smithee and Mayia Morgan.
For Herrera, the first few days of practice have been about setting the standard and the tone for the season.
“We’re coming in strong and showing the younger girls the work ethic that we have here at the high school level and the expectations that we have,” Herrera said. “It’s full of energy and excitement and anticipation for the season.”
Another key part of the week for the Lady Panthers has been going through the fundamentals.
“We’re preparing for the first few matches and looking to tweak areas that we need to focus on and continue to grow while setting a foundation for the season,” Herrera said.
The Lady Panthers will begin their season with a scrimmage on Friday in Andrews.
Coming off a 14-15,1-9 showing from last year, the Lady Bronchos are returning plenty of experienced players from 2023.
Dominguez, who enters his third season as head coach at Odessa High, will have six returning players including Clarissa Rodriguez, Clarissa Deleon, Gabriela Padron, Yarissa Galindo, Julia Jalomos and Aliyna Gonzalez, just to name a few as the team looks to improve from last year.
The first week of practice has been about getting up to speed on everything as the Lady Bronchos will also have scrimmages Friday in Andrews.
“The first week right now, because our season starts so quickly, has just been about getting the girls to play together comfortably with everyone,” Dominguez.
For Dominguez, these few days of practices has also been about finding out early who is going to embrace the leadership role.
“We’re going to see who’s stepping up and who’s going to be that leader on the court and bring everyone in and go from there,” Dominguez said.
