WC volleyball ready for another strong run

Seemingly overnight, the Weatherford College Coyotes became a national volleyball power. And now, with back-to-back top-10 finishes in the NJCAA Championships, coach Kailee May's program is poised for perhaps their best season yet.

 

"I expect this to be the most competitive team yet, and I'm excited to begin the journey with this team," May said. "We have a very genuine, competitive, and passionate group.

 

"I know the sophomores are looking forward to a shot at redemption from how we finished the season last year, so I'm excited to see how far that drive takes us."

 

The Coyotes are coming off a 32-8 season that saw them win a third straight Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference championship - they've won the league championship in all three of their seasons. They return nine sophomores from that team, including All-Americans Weronika Urbanska, who posted team highs in kills (489), aces served (70) and returns (864), along with 392 digs; All-American Gabbie Maldonado (254 kills, 78 blocks); and conference Defensive Player of the Year Kiana Souza (team-leading 529 digs, 503 returns).

 

Also returning as sophomores after standout freshmen campaigns are Victoria Sanchez (41 aces, 611 assists) and Harmony Soles (89 blocks).

 

Sophomore Amelie Shalfoon was a key reserve last season who helped turn around some matches for WC, including their come-from-behind, five-set victory against Odessa at the national tournament.

Back after redshirting last season is Glorybell Puente, from the Dominican Republic. Her older sister, Selanny Puente, was an All-American two years ago.

 

May said the recruiting class for this season is quite possibly the best class she's had at WC so far.  It includes a very experienced player from France, Beline Thibaut, as well as a strong outside hitter from Nigeria, Mirabel Onyegwu.

"We are so much deeper in every position, which has made practices extremely competitive," May said. "It will honestly be tough to put a starting lineup out because our talent is so deep this year."

 

May's teams at WC are 86-22 in three seasons, including 40-3 in conference play, where they have won 21 straight matches. They are 38-2 at home and have won 31 straight in their own gym.

"Competitive players want to win. It makes recruiting much easier when they know you have a history of winning," May said.

 

"When I tell recruits we're shooting for the top 10, or top five in the country, I mean it, and having been ranked as high as fifth last year, that's evidence of what we're capable of and has helped draw some impressive talent this year."

No preseason polls had been released at the time of this article, but May expects her team to be in the top 10.

 

The Coyotes, as do all WC sports except rodeo, compete in the always tough NJCAA Region V. Though, with a lot of coaching changes and some new programs, there is a cloud of mystery over the region.

"I really don't know what to expect. I think our conference will be more competitive this year with the addition of Collin and McLennan, and the region is always solid," she said.

 

"I always tell the team to expect we will get the best version of the team across the net, so that's how we'll prepare."