Taylor McCarthy returns a shot during John Jay’s volleyball team practice at John Jay High School Aug. 21, 2015.
Julia Mines returns a shot during John Jay’s volleyball team practice at John Jay High School Aug. 21, 2015.
Julia Mines works a drill during John Jay’s volleyball team practice at John Jay High School Aug. 21, 2015.
Lauren Donohue and Taylor McCarthy are seen during John Jay’s volleyball team practice at John Jay High School Aug. 21, 2015.
Lauren Donohue works out during John Jay’s volleyball team practice at John Jay High School Aug. 21, 2015.
CROSS RIVER Yes, their all-everything libero has graduated — a girl so talented that she passed up volleyball scholarship offers for one to play Division 1 softball, someone that teammate Julia Mines, an all-state volleyball player in her own right, calls her the “most athletic girl I’ve ever met.”
Taylor McCarthy and Lauren Donohue work out during John Jay’s volleyball team practice at John Jay High School Aug. 21, 2015.
But if anyone believes the John Jay volleyball team thinks it won’t repeat as Section 1 Class A champion after Theresa Swertfager’s departure, think again.
The Indians’ seventh trip to the finals in 12 years finally resulted in that title last season. This year, John Jay has been hammered by graduation, losing five starters, (including three who were named All-Section.)
But coach Tom Rizzotti doesn’t appear worried.
“One of the things I’ve been blessed with are girls who want to succeed and who worked hard in the off-season,” said the 11-year head coach. “I’m excited. It’s yet to be seen but I think we have all the pieces to be successful this year.”
John Jay will carry 12 players, among them returners Lauren Donahue, Cate Bauer, Alex Hall and Amanda Wien, who, Rizzotti said, “really put themselves in a position to help us.”
But the key players should be senior outside hitters Taylor McCarthy and Mines.
“They have experience and talent,” Rizzotti said.
Wien and Mines’ sophomore sister, Katie, will set, although Rizzotti hasn’t decided how he’ll use them.
The off-season not only included winter and spring club play in which 11 of the 12 players participated, but informal volleyball practices at the school throughout the summer.
McCarthy said some players worked out together for a couple of hours every day.
“We’re more athletic this year and, overall, our team is working harder,” said Julia Mines, who pointed in part to the addition of freshman twins Vivian and Christina Turriago as a positive.
“This is not a rebuilding year,” Mines emphasized. “We’re taking what we had and polishing it.”
Twitter: @HaggertyNancy