Rachel Ellis

The volleyball team makes a pyramid after playing sand volleyball at Manchester Park, Saturday, August 17. The program met at 9 a.m., ate a bagel breakfast and tie dyed team t-shirts. “Sand volleyball was a very fun team and sister bonding activity. We had a lot of fun tie-dying our team shirts, and the bagels tasted great. I look forward to many more activities along the way,” senior Maddy Quoss said.

The girl’s volleyball program will begin August 30 at home against Cor Jesu.

Last year the Longhorns won one of three games against Cor Jesu.

“Cor Jesu has always been a big competition for us,” senior Abby Lathrop said. “You can never underestimate your opponent.”

The team’s ultimate goal is to win state.

“We need to remain healthy and play as a team,” coach Susan Dean said.

Dean expects the captains to set examples for players in the program and help out new freshmen players as well.

“I always try personifying discipline and keeping a positive attitude while working for a better outcome. It is not about me it is about the team and the program,” senior Maddy Quoss said.

Junior Rachel Ellis can relate to being a freshman and having a senior leader to look up to.

“When I was a freshman it was always nice to see school spirit in the seniors, watch them give 110% in every single practice, game, event, etc. They also helped me understand sisterhood and that we are all in this together, not only as a team but as a program,” Ellis said.

Quoss is one of three captains along with senior Abby Lathrop and Ellis.

The program has created a regular practice schedule after a year with complications.

“We are having our practice schedules changed back to normal and doing more program oriented things, because we are all sisters,” Dean said.

In addition to a regular practice schedule, ten new freshmen and two transfer students are on the roster.

“They are all great additions,” Dean said.