There is no substitute for experience in high school volleyball. But experience can mean many different things in the sport.
Competing in a league title game or districts in one season can prepare a team for a run at state during the next year. Club volleyball is a big part of the experience equation but cannot match up with playing at a state tournament. Rebel’s head coach Teena Bambolo thinks her team has the right combination of experience to build on 2008 and make a run at state in 2009.
Leading the way will be five returning varsity players that helped earn the squad sixth at districts last season.
“(They) are really cohesive and the juniors and sophomores are also really dedicated and work hard,” said Bambolo. “They are molding well as a team. We just have a really solid group of kids who get along and want to win.”
Those returners will attempt to bring down KingCo 3A powers Mercer Island and Mount Si, who have battled for the league title each of the past three seasons.
But Rebel fans will not have to look far for experience within the returning players. Senior Brittany Webster is a third year varsity player with four-plus years of club experience. Webster and teammate, senior Vicky Neam, were voted team captains by the squad.
“(Webster) will lead not only by skill and experience, but attitude,” said Bambolo. “Vicky has a great work ethic where she’ll lead by example.”
Another element of experience for the team is Bambolo, who is entering her eighth season as head coach at Juanita High School. But Bambolo knows that integrating seven new players into the squad will not be easy.
“We are a little young with seven new kids on varsity, but most of them played club and understand what it’s going to take to win,” said Bambolo. “Hopefully that won’t pose too big of a problem for us.”
One of those players is sophomore Dana Michels.
“I think we are going to be surprised by her,” said Bambolo. “She played club last year and is showing great potential so far.”
Bambolo has high expectations for her team, with playing at state as the ultimate goal. But it is not all about wins and losses.
“(We want to) work together as a team, to improve as individuals and as a team as a whole,” said Bambolo.
