By Chris Parker
Verona volleyball has a new head coach in former assistant Rita Castillo this season.
“I’ve been the assistant coach the last two years, and this is my first year as head coach,” Castillo said. “I am so excited to work with these girls and see where this season takes us.”
Castillo is looking for growth this season with an experienced group returning from last season’s three-win team.
“All of these girls are returners from last year. I want them to grow from last year, taking the good and the bad to become better. I want them to look back at the end of the season and realize the growth they made throughout the whole year. I want them to grow as athletes but also as people and students,” Castillo said.
Senior Taylor Baker led Verona with 325 digs and 352 serve receptions while finishing second in kills with 110 last season.
“Although (Baker) is a smaller player, she has been forced to play in many different positions due to unforeseen injuries,” Castillo said. “I look forward to having her in a libero jersey to help guide our defense.”
Kalean Cohen (senior) and Jaidyn Long (junior) are looking to return strong after injuries last season.
“Kalean Cohen and Jaidyn Long are girls who have had injuries in their careers are back and strong,” Castillo said. “They are strong hitters to have so much potential to unlock. Since they had injuries, they are working even harder than before.”
Junior Marley Foster led the team with 114 kills last season.
“Marley Foster helped run our middle offense last year,” Castillo said. “She can also play good defense and contributes to our drive.”
Yoselin Alberto (junior) could find herself at setter or defensive specialist. She had 155 assists, 213 digs and 119 receptions last season.
“Yoselin Alberto is a small DS who changed to a setter last year,” Castillo said. “I look forward to building her hands and using her in a setter or DS position. She also contributed to our aces with a strong float serve.”
Dawt Sung is a junior who will step up to varsity.
“Dawt Sung is a great setter but also all-around player,” Castillo said. “She has soft hands, and I look forward to having her run our offense this year. She has a great vertical and can make a big difference.”
Freshmen Bella Frias and Sadie Martinez could have immediate varsity impacts.
“Bella is a strong hitter who has a lot of potential to unlock,” Castillo said. “She can attack different balls and find open spots. Sadie has a great serve and can help our defense. She has a lot of heart and passion to learn.”
The offense should be improved this season.
“Although we struggled offensively in the last year, we have been working hard and will continue to establish setter hitter connections with our team,” Castillo said. “Injuries last year led us to lacking there but with healthy bodies and passion, our team could have many offensive options this year.”
Castillo hopes to instill a culture of positivity in the team.
“Like many teens and sports now a days, emotional and mental aspects in sports can be difficult,” Castillo said. “I hope to increase positivity in our team as well as team bonding. We want everyone to be able to push past any negative emotions that they might have during games. Side outs are so important and improving mental strength can lead us to be so successful.”
Verona opens the season on Sept. 2 at Hurley.
