The Junior Varsity Volleyball Team has kicked off the season with a fresh coaching staff and an undefeated record. Julia Crusor, head coach of JV and a Raider alum, joined the ERHS volleyball team to help continue the Raider volleyball legacy. With victories against tough opponents such as Flowers, Wise, and Laurel High School, the team has already made themselves known in the MPSAA Class 4a league.
Crusor, who brings previous coaching experience prior to COVID, says her decision to step into the position was almost a no-brainer. She states that when varsity coach, Michelle Blacks, raised the idea of the opportunity, “it just felt right and I’m really excited to be here with the girls.” For Crusor, coaching is all about giving back to the sport she loves and the school that she came from.
Crusor sees a bright future ahead for the team. Her main goals are “preparation, winning, and getting to the next level”. With three former players making it to the collegiate level last season, she hopes to see current and upcoming players follow the same path. To build on their undefeated start, Crusor emphasizes “development work, skills work, and lots of consistency.” She also values listening to her players to help tailor to their needs to strengthen their individual skills and build the team overall. Looking ahead, Crusor expresses the possibility of volleyball summer camps and winter/spring workouts, to get players “prepared for the season.”
Players already feel the impact of this new coaching staff. Sophomore Agnes Ngoma expresses her excitement for the team’s success, highlighting their 5-0 record so far. She says, “I really like this season. I feel like it’s better than last year, especially since we won against Wise, which was our toughest opponent from last year. I feel like we can get through this season winning against every school.”
Ngoma describes the comfortable nature of the team which she feels “helps a lot with communication during games”. Ngoma sees a great season under the new coaching staff and believes her coaches have what it takes to carry both JV and Varsity through a great season. “I believe the coaches do have what it takes for my team to have a successful season. So far, both our varsity and JV teams have won all of our games, and I can see improvement in our members during practices.¨
With strong leadership, an undefeated record, and motivated players, the ERHS JV volleyball team is on the right track for a season of growth and great success.
