The 2023-2024 season has officially started at Canyon High School and our varsity Cougarette Volleyball team is 26-9 so far. They have had an amazing beginning to their season, and we wish them the best of luck as they continue playing.
The 23-24 team is much smaller than it used to be. Coach Sanders explained that they graduated 10 students last year, so the majority of their team is new. She said, “This is the most I’ve ever graduated in a single season. People have had to move positions that maybe they played before because that’s what’s best for the team.” Because of all the new changes, Sanders didn’t know what to expect for this season.
Two of the top players, Meagan Hawkins and Chloe Cross, both stated that their favorite parts of this season so far were meeting all the new players and having the opportunity to bond with the new girls.
Sanders explained, “It has been challenging up to this point. But they have still found a way to play good volleyball and win and represent our brand.” This year the team bonding activity was going to a dude ranch and branding CCVB (Canyon Cougar Volleyball) into notebooks. Coach Sanders wanted to focus on keeping the good name of the Canyon Cougarettes and teaching the new team to carry on the tradition set by all the players before them.
Our Cougarettes started practice in July, which is the earliest they have ever started summer practices. They had multiple scrimmages and tournaments to help prepare them for volleyball season.
Chloe Cross said, “This year we’re a lot more scrappy and our ball control is amazing.” Last year, the Cougarettes focused a lot more on attacking the opponent. However, this year their focus is keeping the ball in play as long as possible.
When asked about coaching, Sanders said, “Coaching, in general, is different [each year] and it comes with its own set of challenges, players, and personalities, and I think one of my favorite parts is figuring out how to motivate each group to get them to achieve the most that they can.”
Her coaching motto is “Iron sharpens iron” which means that no one is alone. Every player builds and helps each other to become the best version of themselves and the best team possible.
Come support the Cougarettes for the rest of their season. We wish them the best of luck in the 23-24 school year!
