Getting ready for the upcoming season after losing in the semi-finals of the previous year, Head Coach Michelle Shoppach and the Benton’s Lady Panthers Volleyball team are headed into the season facing new territory. The team has lost nine seniors from last year’s team.
“After 40 years, this is still new territory for me. I’m very pleased at where we are after losing people. This team, the individuals have stepped into those roles,” Shoppach said.
Next week, on Monday and Tuesday, the Lady Panthers are playing in a team camp at 501 Volley in North Little Rock. “ We’re going to see how we match up. I get to learn a little bit more about these kids as they compete. I want to see how they handle adversity,” added Shoppach.
Chemistry is at an all-time high as the Lady Panthers began to grow their confidence in themselves and one another. The message for the team is patience. Shoppach stated, “Watch what they can do, focus on that, and add the tough stuff they can’t do little at a time instead of one big goop.”
The goal for this upcoming season and every season is the state championship game. Shoppach insistsed, “We want to have a shot at it. We’re capable of doing it every year. Let’s give ourselves a chance to do that.” Coach Shoppach understands a target is on their back from winning back-to-back in 2022 and 2023.
After being close to winning in this previous season Shoppach believes that to get over the hump this year the team has to be more cohesive. No longer looking to allow individuals to dominate, unity is being pushed stronger than ever. “With this team, I think we’re going to have to depend on each other to get things done. I’m pleased with these last two days at 6 a.m., how they are showing that,” said Shoppach.
High School senior Sahara Stamps, at 5’10, is looking to anchor the middle front row this upcoming season after playing varsity last year. Big things are expected from her. Also, Bella Gonzalez, a 5’7 junior who played six rotations last year as a sophomore, will be an outside hitter and at times a setter through the course of the year. “These two players our team follows them, and they’re the type of people you want them to follow,” Shoppach emphasized.