A new district, depth gives the Marble Falls Lady Mustangs plenty of optimism
Different sports have different ways of measuring commitment, determination and heart. In volleyball, it’s the players running a mile. That’s where the Marble Falls High School volleyball team started the first day of two-a-days with 32 players lined up on the Leonel Manzano Track at Mustang Stadium at 8 a.m. as coaches held timers while watching the run.
“It’s endurance, it’s also mental toughness,” head coach Kait Goertz said. “Who can push through? I know what they’re capable of. It’s setting that personal gage. It’s a battle with the heat at 8 a.m. It’s hot with not a breeze out there. The times weren’t what I wanted from them. I know the heat is a factor to that.”
Goertz said she was OK with the number of players because a smaller group allows her and her staff to get in-depth evaluations and see which underclassmen are pushing the upperclassmen for roster spots. About 14 players will be on the varsity, and Goertz said each will see court time, adding she doesn’t believe in putting athletes on the roster if they’re not going to play.
Seniors Ciah Denney, Sandra Gonzales and Dallyn Pickett were leading the drills, while junior setters Ava Carter and Emily Martin worked closely with assistant coach Abigail Blunt on the setters practice. On the opposite side of the court, assistant coach Tyler Porter led defensive specialists on serve-receive drills, while Goertz led the outside hitters and middle blockers to Mustang Gym where they focused on middle blocking and the fundamentals of that position.
Once the morning practices wrapped up, the players gathered for a potluck lunch to welcome the freshmen to the program, which was organized by the seniors. That pleased Goertz, who said it was a task the older athletes assigned themselves as part of a team-bonding event.
“That’s the stuff I love,” she said.
That was another reason why Goertz is looking forward to the start of the 2022 season where Marble Falls is now a member of District 24-4A, a move from District 25-5A. Also in District 24-4A are Burnet, Georgetown Gateway, Jarrell, Lago Vista and Lampasas.
“I am still very optimistic,” she said. “I’m excited for this next year. I feel good about where we’re at. I have several strong leaders. Our big thing is culture. I think we’re getting to the point where we’re getting buy-in. They are excited about the upcoming season. That’s a huge factor for us.”
The Lady Mustangs welcome Kyle Lehman Tuesday, Aug. 9, to Max Copeland Gym, 2101 Mustang Drive. The sub varsities play at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity taking the floor at 6:30 p.m.
They also will attend Meet the Mustangs at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at Mustang Stadium on the high school campus.
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