West Orange volleyball returns to court for new season

WINTER GARDEN — The best campaign in program history officially became “last season” as the West Orange volleyball team returned to the court on Aug. 3 for the beginning of fall practice for a new season.

Fresh off a 22-7 season in 2014, in which the Warriors won their first playoff victory and first district championship since 1977, head coach Ross Usie had his team back on the floor in Winter Garden for three days of tryouts, ending on Aug. 5.

This time, the Warriors will be without their six seniors from a season ago, but on Monday, Usie expressed confidence that his current squad — led by rising sophomore outside hitter Makala Heidelberg and rising senior captain Stephanie Garner — will be just as dangerous.

“Losing the seniors (from last year) is hard, but I think the young talent coming in is excited to be here and excited to be a part of the program,” Usie said. “They’re excited to be here, they’re excited to compete, and I think that can make for a good atmosphere.”

Heidelberg, who burst onto the varsity scene last season with an impressive freshman campaign, will be a big part of whether West Orange can match or even eclipse its success from a season ago. Usie said that his dynamic hitter has improved this summer while playing club.

“(Heidelberg) was part of a really good club team that went to nationals,” Usie said. “They finished third in the 18 premier division — and she’s playing up; she’s only 14 or 15 years old. Having her play at a high level like that is going to get her ready.”

The fifth-year coach also is excited about Garner’s leadership and progress.

While Usie has a good idea of what he has to work with from a roster standpoint thanks to open gyms and keeping up with his players during club season, he said there are some new faces for him to consider as he makes cuts and toys with the rotation he will employ this fall.

Among those new faces is Lauren Miller, a rising junior outside hitter who was a standout for Foundation Academy in past seasons. 

“The girls are definitely going to have to compete this year for their spots,” Usie said. “There’s a lot of talent.”

West Orange will play in a preseason tournament Aug. 19 and 21 at Foundation and will open the regular season Aug. 27 on the road at Jones. 

“The first game will come really fast,” Usie said. “But I think the girls are so ready for it to happen that they’re going to train hard.”

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].