Women's Volleyball Season Preview
After an unprecedented and historic year navigating the world wide pandemic, the Providence Christian College women's volleyball team is chomping at the bit to get started with the upcoming season. What the year will look like is anyone's guess, but Head Coach Chris Chown, his staff, and the women's team are optimistic, excited, and ready to put their best effort forward.
The Sea Beggars return the core of last year's team, and welcome three newcomers in junior middle blocker Savannah Page (JR/Temecula, CA ), freshman defensive specialist Cassidy Clifford (FR/Phoenix, AZ), and freshman setter Caitlynne Sanchez (FR/Clint, TX). The addition of these new players will help give depth to the otherwise veteran Sea Beggar roster. Coach Chown said, "I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to get after it with this group. We faced a great deal of adversity last year but I believe that we can grow from it because of our intentional effort to cultivate a culture of love, gratitude, and connection. The majority of our roster is returning this year along with a few wonderful new additions. I believe we will be hungry to put in the work to be ready mentally and physically to make a run at the postseason."
Coach Chown held weekly optional training sessions throughout the summer for those who live locally, as well as implemented an at home workout program for the team to do on their own. When asked about the work being done for the upcoming season as well as who some of the current leaders are on the team, Coach Chown said, "It will be cool to see the fruit of the dedication some of our players have shown. Valeria Garcia (SO/Camarillo, CA), in particular, has been exemplary in her consistency and devotion to working hard and getting better. We also look forward to the impact that some of our other veterans will make this year; such as, Telanni Childs (SR/Walnut, CA) and Cassidy Sanchez (JR/Clint, TX) who share the passion and drive to make this a great season." The hard work and the leadership from these veterans will be crucial when it comes to reaching their goals and unifying this group.
When asked what some of the team goals were for the year, Valeria, Telanni, and Cassidy shared some specific key words driving them towards those goals; dedication, teamwork, connection, persistence, and mental toughness. Those characteristics will be foundational as they push each other to become better volleyball players, student-athletes, and women of faith. Each of these leaders have set personal goals as well. Cassidy shared that her personal goal is, "to be a leader, impact the team positively, and play in His name (Philippians 4:13)". Telanni's goal for the year is to "leave everything on the court, because this is my last chance to impact the program positively. I believe our fans should expect us to come out and work hard together every game." Similarly, Valeria shared about her personal goals saying, "My personal objective is to be the best version of myself I can be on the court, in the classroom, and spiritually. In relation to the team, I will continue to motivate and inspire every single one of my teammates. I want to 'be different', 'do my job', and 'get after it'."
These three leaders are excited to get on the court together and see the strides they've made collectively and individually. Last year was hard for obvious reasons, and Cassidy said, "I'm looking forward and excited to reunite with my team as last year was very difficult due to covid. I look forward to growing as a team in order to achieve success. Everyone should expect us to have endless hustle and heart on every point no matter how tired we are or what the score is." Valeria also shared, "I'm very excited to put into play every strategy and skill Coach Chown has taught me and reinforced this past year. I am heading into this season confident, eager, and hungrier than ever to dominate our matchups."
With the number of veterans returning and solid newcomers, everyone has the potential, and will have the opportunity, to rise to the occasion and lead on and off the court. One consistent name that gets mentioned though, is Valeria. The amount of work she has put in this summer, the sacrifices she's made, and the servant leadership she's modelled has not gone unnoticed by her coaches and teammates. The Sea Beggars have high hopes for her, and will be leaning heavily on her leadership. The team will also be leaning heavily on the student body and Sea Beggar fans as they make our gym roar with excitement. Telanni said, "Our gym will be especially tough for our opponents, because as we're bringing spectators back, the volume of cheering will be insane."
The Lady Sea Beggars open the season at home on August 26th versus San Diego Christian at 6pm. Make sure to mark your calendar for that date, as well as all the other home matches. The season should be very exciting, and the team can't wait to hear you cheering them on. For more information on schedules and to follow the Sea Beggar season, please check go to www.seabeggars.com