August 21, 2006
MCC coach faces challenge of all new volleyball squadWith a 19-11 record and a placement close to the top 20 rated teams, who’s not curious to see if our volleyball team can improve on last year’s mark? This year’s team includes an all new lineup of players along with a brand new coach, Ku’ulei Salinas, to bring forth victory this fall.
Coach Salinas, originally from Hawaii, played for Gilbert High School, Eastern Arizona College, and the University of Southern Alabama.
She was named first-team All-ACCAC while playing at Eastern Arizona in 1994 and has coached men’s volleyball at the University of Southern Alabama.
To help her this season, she also has two assistant coaches, Reberta Downey and Pele Baker, who have 20 years of coaching experience between the two of them.
Although no girls returned from last season, Coach Salinas expects for them to finish off the season even better than last year’s winning club.“The team is a work in progress and always has things to work on but that’s just my high expectations.”
The girls are working hard, practicing at least 6 hours a day on their skills and teamwork.
New players include recruits from around the country, including two from Hawaii and one from El Paso.
Coach Salinas referred to her starting six players as outstanding players and everyone is working hard for a victorious season.
The team expects to go to regionals this year and as an overall goal place higher than last year.
The Thunderbirds plan to start a successful season with their first home game on Aug. 25 vs. Chandler-Gilbert Community College at home.
Volume
44, Issue 1. Today is
photo by Robert Neal
Mesa’s Seno Latu demonstrates solid skills during practice.