After some growing pains last season for a young, inexperienced Gresham volleyball team, there is a growing sense of confidence within the program heading into the 2024 season.
“We are confident that even just one additional year of offseason experience for the core group of athletes will help us tremendously,” Gresham coach Lori Cook said. “Our expectations for this season are to show significant improvement over last year.”
Last year the Gophers finished near the bottom at 7-15 (3-11 League). But the goal this fall is to not just to climb the standings, but also make a push to reach the playoffs.
To get there, the team will lean on its tenacious defense, aggressive serving and smart offensive attack.
“We want to control matches and put pressure on our opponents throughout the season,” Cook said.
There are leaders across the floor. Senior libero Tenzin Choedon is the focal on defense and sets the tone for the team. The 2023 all-conference honorable mention selection is a fierce defender, willing to hit the deck for a set-saving dig and has the composure as a ball handler to set up the attack.
Fellow senior setter Mariah Cook is another team leader, strong defender and one of the best servers on the squad.
“She is steady as a rock base for us to build off,” Cook said.
A youngster to keep an eye on is sophomore outside hitter Soma Bratcher, the Gophers “mightymite.” The hard-working feisty athlete will look to make the leap in her second season after a strong debut last year.
The home opener is also the start of Mt. Hood Conference play with a 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, bout against Nelson.
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