Bumping up season expectations
September 17, 2015
Even with a switch in coaching staff, the Diamond Bar High School Volleyball team is full of determination as it prepares for its upcoming games.
The team has two new additions to their coaching staff, as Becky Bevans, DBHS Physical Education and Health teacher, stepped up and filled the role of the interim head coach while Katie Swetnam, a new Spanish teacher, became the assistant varsity coach.
“It wasn’t originally a part of my plan to come back and coach this season, but I’m excited about it,” Bevans said. “I missed the competition…Every time you walk through the gym, you reminisce and think about all the fun, the close matches, and the cheering in the gym. I missed that. I missed being involved in athletics in general, so I’m excited to be able to do that again,” Bevans, previously coached from 2001 to 2012.
In addition to Bevans, Swetnam also has experience in the volleyball field as she assisted in various summer volleyball activities. But this is her first time formally coaching in the fall season. She previously played varsity volleyball as a student at DBHS and collegiate volleyball as well.
Compared to last year, Bevans hopes to use a different technique as well as change a few aspects of the team.
“I think we lost some of the traditions that have been around the volleyball teams for about 15 to 20 years…I think for us, the emphasis isn’t just on volleyball. We want our teams to be competitive, but we also want it infused with fun, school spirit, pride, being positive and supporting each other,” Bevans said.
Swetnam also has similar thoughts, as she hopes to teach the volleyball team to stay positive, a quality many athletes struggle with.
“I think what I’m bringing to them is definitely teaching them what it takes–attitude wise to be successful. That’s one of the most important things I’m working on right now is their attitude and staying positive- not that we have bad attitudes. It’s just so important since volleyball is about 80% mental and 20% physical,” Swetnam said.
In addition, the players have been practicing nearly every day since teams were set. The team partakes in different exercises designed to enhance the player’s performances depending on which position they have as well as improving overall strength.
Also, not only has the team been training physically, but it is trying to increase chemistry between players as well.
“We are planning events together off the court to help with the personal connection between one another… build a more unified team that will work and play hard together,” junior varsity setter Molly Hummel said via Facebook.
Ultimately, volleyball hopes to advance to CIF Championships this season despite starting off on the wrong foot at their recent game against the Poly Bears at Riverside.
“Our team is moving forward and leaving behind all of the negative aspects. I am so excited for us to show everyone what we are capable of accomplishing this year,” senior varsity libero Kiana Malbas said via text message.
