Junior Ella Trotter anticipates increased pressures on the volleyball team as players face higher expectations than in previous seasons.  

Varsity head coach Whitney Meierotto said as she returns for her second year of coaching, she  looks forward to a more intense season.

“I’m excited because now we all know each other; they know my style. I’m not a big yeller but I know I am going to push them a bit harder this year because they have so much potential,” Meierotto said.

According to Meierotto, now that the team has become comfortable with her coaching style, she can focus on unlocking its full potential.

“We are really trying to change the culture of the program. We are expecting to win more than we are to lose, and we are setting our goals really high,” Meierotto said. “Our main focus is going to be positive attitudes, putting in maximum effort every day at practice and just to really be competitive.”

Trotter said as she and junior captain Kim Lindgren have matured as captains, they also aim to increase the intensity for the season.

“We did our best being underclassmen captains but I think this year we will be super ready and experienced,” Trotter said. “Kim and I both played leadership roles on our club team this past year so we know how to encourage those around us.”

Trotter said she wants the team to have a similar mindset and develop common goals. In order to do this, she said each player needs to take on new responsibilities.

“I think the biggest obstacle will be getting everybody working toward the same goal because we have a shot to do really great things but we have to work for it,” Trotter said. “We need to start to  hold ourselves and our teammates accountable.”

According to Meierotto, in contrast to previous years, this year’s team includes more developed and experienced players.

“A lot of the girls on the varsity program have been in the program since eighth and ninth grade so they have all really grown up together,” Meierotto said. “Now that they are beginning to be juniors and seniors, they are stepping into their roles as leaders.”

Meierotto said she hopes the girls have a winning record, do well in their conference, and reach Section finals. However, she said ultimately the team will decide its own goals.

“The (girls) are putting their sights on State which is so awesome because you have have to dream big to even get anywhere,” Meierotto said.

The team’s first match will take place at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Minneapolis Washburn High School against the Washburn Millers.