Volleyball ready to climb conference ladder:

(This story was published in the Visalia Times Delta on August 20, 2015) 

The 2014 College of the Sequoias volleyball team made a big jump as they climbed the conference ladder to fourth place last season. This year's team looks to build on that success and finish much higher.

"Yes, our team is much improved. We are young this year, but we have talent and depth at every position," according to second-year head coach Kim Rix.

Two of the major focuses of this off season for Coach Rix was recruiting and player development.

"We had a big offseason. We are coming into this season with a big, athletic team that we recruited and summer conditioning went well. I can't wait to watch us compete" said Rix.

Last year's team only had two players who were taller than 5 feet 9 inches, this year's roster has six. Leading the team in height is 6-foot-1 freshmen outside hitter KiAnna Cunningham from Woodlake.

"We are really pleased that Kiki chose COS, she has the ability to play at the next level after COS," said Rix.

Cunningham, a 2014 Times-Delta/Advance-Register girls volleyball first-team selection, was second in the CIF Central Section with 284 kills last season.

Another bright spot on this year's roster is Reina Sykes. Sykes is a 5-foot-10 setter, who also has the athletic ability to play another position to hit.

"Reina gives us flexibility with our lineup. She is skilled and athletic. She and Taylor Meyer are looking to be our setters this year and we can play both of them at the same time" said Rix.

Meyer, an all-Central Valley Conference second-team selection last year, provides experience on the court.

Meyer recorded 585 assists last year as a freshmen which was well over 90 percent of the teams total.

"Taylor knows how to play and is a great passer," Rix said. "This year, she has multiple options to pass to."

"We have other really good players like Gabbi Crookshanks from Exeter and Idalis Rubalcava from Hanford, but practice just started and roles are just now being formed. They have been a pleasure to coach thus far and we are looking forward to the season," Rix said.

COS begins its season on Sept. 11 at the Monterey Peninsula Tournament.

The home opener is Sept. 30 against Fresno City