The 2023-2024 Mustang Volleyball season is off and running. The team held their first game against Fowler on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at home. This is the Mustangs first season after losing five seniors while also bringing on a new varsity coach. Although they did not bring home a first season win, they are working hard to rebuild their team for this fall. 

The team captains are the only two seniors who have had significant varsity playing time in past seasons, Sierra Dunlap (12) and Cassidy Blechman (12). They hope to lead the younger members of the team and set an example. “The team has definitely changed,” Dunlap said. “But, people are stepping up and filling in!”

The staff leadership of the volleyball team, Gabriel Santos, shared similar optimism.

“I think that we have a lot of girls who have stepped up to fill those spots and it’s a new season and so we’re learning to play with each other,” Santos said. “I’m really excited about the potential that this group has moving forward.”

Santos took over the position of varsity head coach at the end of this summer, having previously coached C team volleyball. She is the only coach remaining from the previous coaching staff, filling in after Crissy Leonhardt coached for three seasons. Santos has been adjusting along with the team, creating a new dynamic between the Mustangs.

“The nice thing about the transition from C Team to Varsity is that I had the summer, so it wasn’t just like showing up on day one and being brand new to this,” Santos said. “It’s nice knowing the athletes coming back this year, because this junior group is who I started with when they were freshmen on the C team level.”

The girls have a lot to be excited for this season, including their upcoming rival match against St. Mary’s held at home on Sept. 12. “I am looking forward to our Saint Mary’s home game for sure. Both schools have amazing student sections and it makes the game super energetic and fun,” Dunlap said. 

Additionally, they will hold their senior night on Mon, Oct. 23 against Atlas Prep. “I’m very excited for senior night,” Blechman said. 

Dunlap is very positive about her senior year, and making this season one to remember. “Being a senior really puts things into perspective, I just want to play, have fun, and make memories!”