Dallas Christian volleyball is back at it, stronger than ever, and ready to get to serving up heat against the competition. VYPE DFW got a chance to visit with coach Tiffany Taylor as well as six-rotation outside hitter Denasia Maxey and outside hitter Maddie Perkins during the Dallas Christian fall sports VYPE DFW Media Day about the season ahead for the Chargers. With so much to share and so much to look forward to, dive right into the season preview!
Looking Back
Last season, the Chargers were able to show their strength on the court as they finished in the number one spot in their district with a 12-1 district record (26-8-1 overall record). The Chargers posted great victories over opponents like Dallas Lutheran, Temple Christian, Bishop Dunne, and more en route to playoffs. After defeating Grapevine Faith in the playoffs, the Chargers eventually fell to Carrollton Prince of Peace.
Despite such a tough loss in the playoffs, the team proved that they had what it takes to play against some of the toughest competitors in TAPPS high school volleyball. With a strong team returning, the Chargers have what it takes to go far this fall as they enter a new district.
What To Expect
"We have a brand new district, so I don't know many of the teams. It's hard for me to prepare when I've never seen the teams," said coach Taylor. "We have the team we lost to in playoffs in our district, so we're going to really be preparing for that-- Prince of Peace and McKinney Christian. Those are the two that are our biggest competitions."
Having seen some of their toughest opponents this season before, the Chargers will be able to adjust their play accordingly and head into each game with a clear mind.
"I want the girls to believe in themselves. Our theme is 'Believe.' This year, in practice, we are striving on hitting everything. Hit every ball. If we miss it in practice, then we miss it in practice, but that's where we're going to see it get really competitive. I want our volleyball IQ to change. I don't want us to play it safe this year. I want us to push ourselves. I want us to play those tougher teams. If you get 1% better at every practice, then you're getting better and that's what matters."
"We're getting most of our players back," said Perkins. "We only lost three seniors and we did gain three other really good players, so I think our team is getting stronger."
Looking forward to building relationships with the new players, Maxey added that the team is already ahead of the game. "Last year we really missed chemistry with some of our players," she said. "This year, it's forming already."
Looking Ahead
Taking a look at the schedule ahead, both Perkins and Maxey described who they're most looking forward to playing: "Parish," Perkins said without hesitation. "Last year they were ranked really high above us and we lost to them in the first game of a tournament. We played them in another tournament and beat them in one set and it was like we won the whole game."
"I'm looking forward to playing Prince of Peace," Maxey added on with excitement. "Last year, we kind of choked when we played against them in playoffs, but this year I really think we can beat them."
As far as coach Taylor? She's also excited to watch her team face off against Prince of Peace again. "I'm looking forward to watching my athletes play Prince of Peace again and seeing how much we have grown as a team. We're coming in with almost all of the same players and they're gelling really well so far. I would love to take a set from Prince of Peace even if it means we don't beat them fully. I'm looking forward to seeing hard work, growth, and improvement-- that's really all I'm asking from my team."
Goals on Goals on Goals
A good team gets the job done regardless of the road bumps ahead. Coach Taylor stressed that her motto this season is "Believe." She wants the team to believe in themselves and their ability above all else. With her motto set, her goals have started to form for the team: "I strive for them to be the best player that they can be individually and focus on what they can bring to the program that is going to better it. My athletes don't all need to be like the stand-out player. I don't need you to be like the stand-out player, I need you to be the best person you can be."
"My personal goal for this season is to be a leader," said Perkins. "I want to help anyone and critique whatever I see." Maxey joined in on describing her personal goals this season: "I want to build a relationship with everyone," said Maxey. "I don't want to just be close to two or three people and shut everyone else out. I want to make everyone feel like I want to be their friend and they can come talk to me."
Catch the Chargers in Action
With their goals set and their preseason on a roll, the Chargers have already posted an incredible start to the season. The team has already posted big victories over the likes of Southwest Christian, Fort Worth Christian, Episcopal School of Dallas, and Lake Country Christian. You can catch the Chargers in action during their final preseason tournament as they take on Parish Episcopal, Dallas Lutheran, and Lakehill Prep before opening district play at home against The Shelton School.
