Riverside Volleyball is learning to have Grit and Grace

July 28th, 2023 by Asa Lucas

(Oakland) — The start of volleyball season is looming and that means a new year for the Riverside Lady Dawgs. While last season is one, they do not want to forget. Considering they had an impressive record of (33-6) and made it to the state volleyball tournament for the first time in program history. Coach Brooke Flathers is present with this year’s squad and sees the abundance of competitive players.

Amongst those players a few names stick out. Senior, Carly Henderson, being one with some of the most experience on the team. Henderson played in every match last season and had 10 assists. Junior, Sophia Taylor, another player who was involved in every match of the season. Adding 150 kills on 409 kill attempts and boasting one of the best kill efficiency percentages on her squad with .025.

This offseason has not only been about seeing which players stepping up to becoming leaders. But, also adopting a mentally stronger culture with learning to have “Grit and Grace” while they play.

The mantra of “Grit and Grace” came from the Lady Dawg’s trip to Nebraska for a volleyball camp. Coach Flathers observed in that camp how many of her players embodied those characteristics.