El Dorado’s athletic teams such as football and basketball have been making noise this summer with their off-season rituals. Quietly and with little fanfare, Coach Derek Easter’s volleyball girls have been tucked away in Wildcat Arena, working to get better, also.
“We’ve had a great off-season. We started off-season in March but with so many kids in other spring sports, we were limited in our opportunities to practice as a team but we were happy to have an off-season program,” said Easter. “I worked closely with our strength and conditioning coach, Coach (Kris) Borosvskis, to collaborate on a program to build our athletes. He did an amazing job with not only building their bodies but also their minds.”
Easter said the coaching staff created a full off-season program consisting of weightlifting, conditioning and on-court practices. The Lady Wildcats practiced from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday through Wednesday in June with an open gym on Thursdays. Since returning from Dead Week, El Dorado practices Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.
“As we get closer to the season, our focus shifts to on court repetition and continuity,” Easter said. “Their progress this summer has been amazing physically but also mentally with learning the game and building better habits. I look forward to seeing their progress throughout this season. I also appreciate the parents who are getting our kids to practice everyday. It shows their dedication to building a winning environment and creating a program the community can be proud of and support.”
El Dorado's volleyball roster includes: Kamya Bryant, Breyonna Stewart, Asha Marshall, Justice Larry, Emerald Daniel, Whitney Jones, Mallory Whitten, Davin James, Dakoda Jones, Keyonna Shelton, Raniecia Cheatham, Daisy Tabe, Kaycee Otwell, Kalea Moseby, Nyla Moore, Diana Obiozo, Katelyn Hayden, London Ingram, Mackenzie Kennebeck, Anastasia Montgomery, Karol Morales, Layla Webb and Laila Reynolds.