Out of thousands of Volleyball athletes nation-wide, six of our own George Ranch varsity players have been selected to be apart of the AVCA Phenom watch list and the Under Armour All American watch list for unsigned seniors. AVCA invites the uncommitted athletes who are selected to join the Phenom College Preparatory Program, which gives the participating players a grand chance of playing in college. Two of our six returning athletes were asked a series of questions pertaining to the difficulties of dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic, and how this change altered their club seasons and training over summer.
The players who were selected for the 2020 AVCA Phenom watch list are the following: Alexandra Szech (11th) verbally committed to Baylor University, Logan Lednicky (11th) verbally committed to Texas A&M University, Avery Shimaitis (11th), and Riley Steubing (10th). The senior players who were selected for the Under Armour All-American Watch list are the following: Alexandra Tennon (12th) verbally committed to Quinnipac University, and Brianna Steubing (12th).
Alexandra Szech, who is an 11th grader this season, is verbally committed to Baylor University. Here's a view into how Szech had to adapt to the pandemic.
- VYPE U: What have you done over the prolonged six-month quarantine to stay in volleyball shape?
- Szech: To stay in shape over quarantine I would run at least 2.5 miles a day and do some sort of plyometric volleyball workout during the day.
- VYPE U: What do you expect for this upcoming season from yourself or your team as a whole?
- Szech: This season I hope to go super far in playoffs and win state! I think this goal is so attainable with hard work and determination! My biggest goal this season is to do everything in my power to this team excel!
Avery Shimaitis who is an 11th grader this season, and is one of GRHS lead outside hitters. Here's a view into how Shimaitis' feels about this upcoming season, and the difficulties of adapting to this pandemic.
- VYPE U: What do you expect for this upcoming season from yourself or your team as a whole?
- Shimaitis: Our team is really strong, so I expect us to thrive this season. We are all really competitive and driven. We want to make up for our past years, so we are ready to to do what it takes to get to State!
- VYPE U: What have you done over the prolonged six-month quarantine to stay in volleyball shape?
- Shimaitis: Over the 6-month quarantine I have stayed very active by running around my neighborhood every day and working out at F45. I was also getting volleyball reps at my volleyball gym every weekend!
The Longhorn team is coming in hot and strong this 2020 season. With three verbally committed athletes, and the six players who are on watchlists, The GRHS Varsity squad has a very successful path ahead of them!
Olivia Raymond
Alexandra Szech (11) and Alexandra Tennon (12) attempt to block their opponents hit.
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Olivia Raymond
The varsity squad keeps the energy up in the last ten minutes of the scrimmage against Foster HS by hyping their teammates up after gaining a point.
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Olivia Raymond
Logan Lednickey (11) performing a fast-paced hit, in hopes of scoring a kill.
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Olivia Raymond
Riley Steubing (10) patiently preparing for the opponents serve to come towards her.
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Olivia Raymond
Alexandra Tennon (12) back-setting her right side hitter, Alexandra Szech (11).
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Olivia Raymond
Paris Donavan (12), and Alexandra Szech (11) forming a wall in attempt to block their opponent's hit.
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Olivia Raymond
Avery Shimaitis (11) attempting to score a kill with her slamming power.
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Olivia Raymond
Brianna Steubing (12) casually performing her specialty serve in hope of scoring an ace.
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