Since winning Regionals on Nov. 1, Dolores High School volleyball players have been on cloud nine, and who could blame them. The last time a Bears team qualified for state, the year was 2009.
In advance of their state tournament match against top-ranked Yuma on Nov. 7, players sat down and discussed what makes this year's Bears team special. Below are some of their revelations.
Players are smart and involved
While some teams struggle in the classroom, players on this year's Dolores team do anything but. Nearly every player on this year's team maintains at least a 3.5 GPA and so far this season, no player has been ineligible.
In addition to their good work in the classroom, this year's players have involved themselves in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including knowledge bowl and student government.
Sierra Schwartz, Alyssa Umberger, Taylor Elder and Cameron Elder and Josie Majors play basketball and Schwartz, Umberger, Taylor Elder, Cameron Elder, Kelly Charles and Harlie Valdez run track. Bailey Boyd is a member of the cheerleading team.
"As a team, we're involved in our school and our community," said Umberger. "That involvement has brought us together and kept everyone on track."
Team is tight-knit
Whether they playing volleyball or hanging out off the court, Bears players agreed that they always have a good time.
All good friends, members of the team regularly gather for team dinners and movie nights. Most recently, the group gathered at the home of Cameron and Taylor Elder.
"After we ate dinner, we all fell asleep and we were like, 'this is so nice,'" said Boyd. "We all get along really well."
"I think it's really cool how have different age groups and still compete at a high level," said Taylor Elder. "It shows that we have really good underclassmen, and we can all work well together as a team."
Players stay loose
Throughout the 2014 season, few teams have stayed loose quite like this year's Bears.
Down two sets to Cedaredge in the regional finals, players remained relaxed and continued to have fun. As a result, the Bears were able to recover and capture the final three games.
"(Head coach Gina Hollen) is really calm and even," said Boyd. "She's kind of like our reality check. She keeps everyone relaxed."
Bears excited for Denver
The Bears will open the Class 2A State Tournament against Yuma High School on Nov. 7. Players agreed that the team's goal is to win at least one match.
Members of this year's varsity team are Kelly Charles, Sierra Schwartz, Taylor Elder, Cameron Elder, Beth Brown, Courtney Blackmer, Alyssa Umberger, Harlie Valdez, Bailey Boyd and Josie Majors.
