New head coach aims to build program

HOUSTON — The Houston Hawks are no strangers to introducing new volleyball head coaches. The program has seen its fair share of bench bosses in recent years.

But new head coach Michael Taylor is ready to stop the revolving door and bring some stability to the program, and the first-year mentor is excited about what he has to work with.

“They’ve changed coaches so much in the past few years, I told them I’d give them five years to build a program,” Taylor said recently.

Taylor has started rebuilding the Hawks program by emphasizing technique and strategy. He said the athletic ability is there, and his players are beginning to pick up the intricacies of the game, such as reading opposing offensive and defenses.

“Most of the girls have got some raw talent, they just need some coaching on technique and approach,” Taylor said.

Leading the Hawks on the court are senior co-captains Samantha Dodds and Taylor Holen. Both play in the middle and both are developing into strong middle hitters, Taylor said.

The Hawks also have senior Samantha James, who is returning to the volleyball court. James is a basketball standout at Houston High, and is expected to bring even more athleticism to the volleyball team. Taylor said once James settles into her role with the team, and brushes up on technique, the senior could make a significant impact.

“I talked to her about that today. I said, ‘you rely so much on athletic ability, if you work on your technique you can be an outstanding volleyball player,’” Taylor said.

James will play outside hitter.

Junior Maggie Thies will also help the Hawks on the outside and senior Brandy Malidore has been a good hitter on the outside, Taylor said.

Houston has depth at setter with senior Hannah Spencer, and sophomores Khristen Nida and Emilee Melin.

Nida has been very good on defense, Melin has been extremely consistent with her sets and Spencer is looking to be a very good setter, Taylor said.

The Hawks also have senior Anessa Katzenberger, a vocal leader on and off the court.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.