By Tamas Modovics
Although the season kicked off on a high note, for the East Bay High School Indians varsity volleyball team Head Coach Katrina Toth was not making room on the shelf for a season trophy. There was plenty on the to-do list for the young team that posted only four Varsity returnees on its 2009-2010 roster, and finished the regular season with a 4-10 (3-4 home) overall and a 1-5 league record prior to entering the district playoffs sheld this past October.Such a season would serve as a reality check for any program.But, according to Toth, a former Armwood High School cheer coach and now a first-year Indians volleyball coach as well as the Physical Education (PE) and Health teacher, building a strong program by helping the girls to work well together was, and continues to be, priority. “Worrying about ranking and winning districts, or beyond, will come later,” she said. “We are now focusing on team work and trusting each other.”Toth’s optimism about the upcoming seasons is not without merit. Though young, the team has plenty of skill and talent. The goods include the ability to set up hits along with a number of good outside hitters. While all of the players count, Toth did mention a couple of names that stood out this year and are to be counted on during the next season, including Indians sophomore mid-blocker Jasmine Queen, who has grown in strength over the months, as well as team captain Victoria Cooper, a junior, who according to Toth, has all the talent and skill any team would love to call their own.As one of only two seniors on the team, Britney Cox has also added to the season being a dedicated athlete setting an example for the rest of her teammates. But this season is now done and what all this means for this young team next year remains to be seen. “For now,” Toth said, “I am focusing on building the program and getting ready for next year.”For more information, call 671-5134. The school is located at 7710 Old Big Bend Rd. in Gibsonton.
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