Back on the sand and ready for the season, Orange Lutheran's girls beach volleyball kicks off an exciting new chapter under the leadership of new head coach Allie Cook.
Cook comes to OLu with significant beach volleyball experience, both as a player and a coach. Having started in the sport at age nine, she played collegiately at Irvine Valley College and the University of Arizona. She currently serves as the assistant coach for IVC's women's beach program.
With a focus on program growth and elevated competition, Cook envisions a future where OLu girls beach volleyball athletes are recruited to play at the collegiate level. She is also looking to build a strong team culture where players feel connected and supported.
"It's about having good, strong, positive relationships with the girls and being the type of coaches where they can come to us for anything," says Cook. "We want to really nail in that team culture, and we want the girls to know the beach volleyball program is a really great program and has a really good reputation."
The program will field 30 athletes across its JV and varsity teams. With a younger varsity lineup this season, Cook and her coaching staff will look to senior Kenzie Houston and juniors Ella Preus and Leily Magnuson to provide experience, skill and leadership. Cook is also excited about freshman Kiley Eskridge, a newcomer she believes will be a strong competitor for the Lancers.
As the team prepares to start the season, Cook plans to approach each match strategically, organizing pairs together in a way that achieves the best outcome.
"Looking at our roster, we honestly have some pretty solid pairs that I'm excited to see compete," says Cook. "I think we're going to be able to hold our own."
The Lancers start their season on February 10 when they face Marina at Golden West College. Key nonleague matchups include Newport Harbor (February 13), Corona del Mar (March 4) and Crean Lutheran (March 5). Trinity League play begins when OLu hosts Mater Dei on March 17 at their home courts at IVC.
Cook is looking forward to kicking off the season and setting the tone for the year ahead.
"I'm just excited to see how the girls hold up to the challenge," says Cook. "I have faith that they're going to do great because we've been having some good practices. They love to compete, and they've already improved so much."
