Tomorrow officially starts the 2010 season. We will have approximately 40 high school age players working out all summer from 7-10:15ish each morning in the hopes of making one of our 3 teams in the fall. Summer is such a crucial part of our program and its imperative that the players make a commitment to be there each and every day . Championships are definitely won in the off season. Not only will players be polishing up on basic skills, we will be emphasizing ball control and torrential serving. We plan on having THE best serving team in the state next season which gives us an immediate edge on defense.
Many programs are known for something. Venice Volleyball's brand is defense. Defense win championships but more importantly, its an attitude. The attitude of sacrificing the body to get a ball up. There is nothing worse or frustrating for a team who plays an opponent that continually frustrates the offense by digging them over and over. How many times do you ever see a team where all 6 players go charging after a shanked ball? Offensive teams have streaks but defensive minded teams are in every match night after night. I think of some of our former defensive greats like Courtney Francese, Margeaux Sinibaldi, Amber Davidson, Erin Beebe, Danielle Durham, Julie Howlett, and Danielle Witte just to name a few. Its not just about the 2010 players. They are a part of a process. There have been great players before them and there will be great players who come after them.
For many years, our team has been the hunted. Other teams have Venice circled on the schedule 3 months before the season starts. Our opponents usually are hyped up and have their best matches and largest crowds when Venice pulls up. This summer our players will learn to hunt. We will become the hunters and take no prisoners. Hunters prepare to take no mercy on their prey. We will train this summer harder and be more discipline then ever before.
