2022 Season Preview: Faith Academy volleyball
CAPTION: The 2022 Faith Academy of Marble Falls volleyball team includes Milayna Garcia (front row, left), Kendall Mason, Jessy Garcia, Jillian Martin, Alyana Reyes, Addison Taylor, Abigail Carr; assistant coach Erin Sawyer (back row, left), Ella Cozby Cameron Mathis, Hadley Shipley, Natalie Weems, Mackenzie Fromberg, Abigail Blackington, Hannidy Shipley, Kaytlyn Wood, head coach Adrienne Pabon. Courtesy photo
The pieces are there for the Faith Academy of Marble Falls volleyball team to play at a consistently high level as they recently demonstrated by winning the consolation championship of the Cedar Park Summit tournament where the Lady Flames earned a 5-1 record.
“We have a team that’s ready and willing,” head coach Adrienne Pabon said. “They’re not afraid to put in the work and try new things.”
That’ll be especially important since the Lady Flames have many newcomers who haven’t played the sport in awhile or are picking it up for the first time. Pabon and assistant coach Erin Sawyer are emphasizing the basics at every practice through countless drill work. Pabon, a former collegiate volleyball player, challenges and motivates her players with honesty and clear instruction.
“I love to see them confident,” she said. “Before every touch, I want them to focus on effort over perfection.”
Faith will rely on junior outside hitter Kaytlyn Wood and senior setter Kendall Mason. Pabon noted the expectations for the setters aren’t for the faint of heart.
“You’re a play ahead of everybody else,” she said. “Our setters get a lot of reps and a lot of pressure.”
That’s not to say the setters get Pabon’s attention exclusively. She and Sawyer see plenty they like from each player. Now it’s a matter of helping them be their best for every match.
“I really like passion and diving,” she said. “After you touch the ball, you’re focused on your next job and you do it. I want them not to do it for me but for themselves. I believe heart will overcome what we lack.”
The Lady Flames are at Cedar Park Summit, 2121 Cypress Creek Road, for a 6 p.m. match Tuesday, Aug. 30, and will welcome Round Rock Christian at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at The Fire Pit, 3151 RR 1431 East in Marble Falls.
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