Clark’s Lady Cougars are upbeat about the coming volleyball season. Much of the team’s optimism comes from middle hitter Anna Drewry, who has already made a verbal commitment to Purdue University to play college volleyball.

Kristen Daniell is in familiar territory this year.

Unlike last season where she spent the early part of the time getting acquainted with players and trying to introduce them to her volleyball philosophy, the second–year Clark volleyball coach is using the time to build on the relationship that was started.

It turned out to be pretty solid. Despite joining the team late, the Lady Cougars were the usual competitive self, earning a spot in to the Class 5A playoffs.

Now, that the comfort is there, Daniell thinks this year could be better as the Lady Cougars are one of the playoff contenders in District 28-5A.

“The second year looks so much better,” Daniell said. “I have gotten to know the players and their families. The communication is already good at the beginning of the season. We have 10 seniors who show leadership. The whole team has meshed already. I think it’s going to be a very good year.”

Much of the Lady Cougars’ optimism comes from middle hitter Anna Drewry, who has already made a verbal commitment to Purdue. The Clark senior’s strength and size makes her a force at the net, but there’s plenty of support coming from

Ashley Healy, Moran Camp, Denise Pichot, Andrea Nendicutti, Becca Fischer, Kelsey Krueger and Melanie Couch.

Strong support also comes from India Hartwell, Katie Mazzoco, Claire Webster and Kayla Jarzombek.

The talent surfaced in last week’s scrimmages, but Daniell is looking to improve even more during the non-district campaign, which began this week against Churchill and Reagan.

“We’re showing good ball control and that’s what we want to see,” Daniell said. “We want to keep working on communication on the court. That is something you have to have.”

By the time District 28-5A rolls around. Daniell expects the Lady Cougars to be tested. After all, they are getting their share of top-notch competition. In addition to this weekend’s Northside ISD Tournament, the Lady Cougars are also entered in the Northeast ISD and Pearland tournaments.

“We always want to play good competition,” Daniell said. “The good thing about it is if we keep improving, we’ll see some of these teams we’ve played earlier in the post-season.”