Although it is only the middle of the volleyball season, Varsity Girls’ Coach Rob Olson had lots of information to provide about his coaching and the program itself.

The team’s record is 0-12, but Olson makes sure to maintain a positive attitude surrounding the team.  The team is a tightly knit group with lots of chemistry.  Olson keeps a light sense of humor, the kids respect him, and he cited co-captains Senior Karley Buckland and Junior Gabby Foster as the leaders of the team.  Buckland is a more vocal leader, while Foster leads more through example.

Olson has 25 years of coaching experience.  He loves working with kids and has coached various teams and levels including at the middle school, high school, and club volleyball (Nike Northwest Junior’s).  He began coaching his two daughters that attended Centennial and continued coaching after their graduation.  Olson didn’t play volleyball in high school, but early on in his teaching days he would attend volleyball practices held by Coach Rod Jones.  As a coach Olson said his goal is to “develop players to the most of their ability, and to see the ability show up through athletic contests.”

Against Grant and Roosevelt, the volleyball team won a set.  Olson summarized the difference between those two games simply as “We made less mistakes than they did.” He noted a recurring problem for the team is serve-receive (returning serves) from the opponent.  Olson is hoping that their practice success will soon apply to games.

For those interested in joining Girls Volleyball, summer practices usually begin in the first week of August.  Many members of the team play for club volleyball teams to retain and improve their skills which run from November until May.