After finishing third in the Sierra league in 2004 and qualifying for the Northern 4A playoffs, Carson coach Shana Wilkins is looking forward to a successful season.
"I'm really excited about my returnees being able to work hard and get the job done," she said.
With eight of her players returning, Wilkins should be excited. The team includes first team all-league setter, junior Lindsay Ford, as well as second team all-league middle hitters, seniors Catherine Brekken and Nicole Scott. Another strength weighing in for this team is height, with four players over six feet tall.
Wilkins will carry 14 players on her squad and has seven seniors this season. She's looking to her seniors to train the younger players in order to continue to have a strong team in the coming seasons.
The Senators will be looking at how they play against Douglas, who finished second in the 4A State Finals last year to Galena, and South Tahoe to gauge how far this season will take them. Wilkins believes that if they're able to beat Douglas this year they have a great chance of making state.
"My goal for this season is to be top in our league - ranked first or second. My kids would tell you that the goal is state, but realistically, I want to see them do well in their league and in regionals," said Wilkins.
However, her goals for the next few seasons are much loftier. With Carson volleyball winning its last state title in the early 1990s, the team is looking to return to that status, and Wilkins is seeing the team able to reach that goal in the near future.
"Our incoming frosh are giving us some phenomenal prospects for the next few years. These kids are state material," said Wilkins.
The first game on the Senator's schedule is Tuesday at 6 p.m. at home against defending 3A State champion Dayton.