As the hands of a clock rotate and the pages of a calendar turn, spring draws nearer. It is now time for Boys’ Volleyball to lace up their shoes, and prepare for the difficult schedule ahead of them.  Last season, the Pumas landed a spot in the quarterfinals, just a few steps away from the championship. This year, they are determined to come back equally as strong, and possibly stronger. Tryouts have come to a close, and the team is shaping up to have a solid 2016 season.

The competition is tough right out of the gate, and the Pumas have difficult teams to face early on such as Mountain View, the school that knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Other teams include Chandler, Higley, and Desert Ridge. But despite the challenges these teams pose, both head coach Brian Pomerantz and the players are confident that they have what it takes to succeed. “Judging by the skill we have on the team right now, I’d say it’s going to be a good season,” Pomerantz says.

Principal Dan Serrano shares equal confidence that the Pumas will pull out many wins.  “Our program has been pretty strong over the years. I expect them to be as competitive as ever,” comments Serrano. The team has steadily landed a place in the playoffs over the last few years, and it does not look as though this streak will be broken. With a history of wins, the teachers and students expect success from the volleyball team.

Varsity seniors from last year have graduated, leaving gaps in the team. It can often be tough to recover from the loss of key players for any sport. However, the returning players are keeping the team strong, while the newer athletes are adding to the skill and ferocity. Typically, varsity is dominated by upperclassmen, underclassmen being in the minority. But this year, more underclassmen than upper have joined on. In fact, there are seven sophomores on varsity compared to a small group of three seniors.

Coach Pomerantz discusses the impact this will have on the team, explaining, “It’s a nice balance between an experienced, smart, older group, and a really combative, experienced young group.”  The new dynamic on the team provides a unique approach that should work to their benefit.

The diverse grade range provides no barriers for the athletes and they pride themselves on their ability to function as a whole. Varsity junior Tristan Carver expresses, “We have the deepest roster I’ve ever seen and everyone has a level head. The chemistry this year will be outstanding.” Carver, among with many others, believe that the key to a successful team is to not only improve themselves athletically, but create bonds that will last both on and off the court.

The athletes are already confident that they will be able to support and assist one another, with no doubt this season will be a favorable one.  Although the team has a difficult road ahead of them, judging by their past and existing skill, it is anticipated that they will go far.