Faith Academy volleyball hosts spring team for practices

CAPTION: Lady Flames head coach Erin Sawyer (right) demonstrates the correct way to pass the ball to target to Abigail Ferguson. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

With volleyball season just around the corner, the Faith Academy of Marble Falls volleyball program decided to get a jump on preparations.

The Lady Flames welcomes Founder Christian School from Spring July 24-26 for team building, skills training and overall fun on the court.

It was the latest of several opportunities head coach Erin Sawyer has presented to her players. Sawyer, who also is the founder of the Highland Lakes Aces club program, conducted at least two camps, entered her program in the Llano May League, and led summer workouts.

The junior high camp drew 50 players. Some came from Burnet, Faith Academy, Marble Falls and home schoolers. Twenty came from Llano.

“I was encouraged about the turnouts,” Sawyer said. “I had a bunch of girls come in from the Aces. I want all the girls to do well.”

She said families reached out asking about local camps and Sawyer told them about hers.

“They want this,” the coach said. “I’m hoping to fill that role.”

She was on Faith Academy campus a couple of times a week to open The Fire Pit gymnasium.

“We’re doing all the fundamentals and things I wanted them to work on,” Sawyer said. “If they’re not going on vacation, they’re in the gym with me.”

Several traits impressed the coach. Top of the list were the number of players who committed to attending when they weren’t at summer camps, vacations or working a summer job.

“I saw their dedication,” she said. “They also showed me they want to be on varsity and go back to (the) state (tournament). They put in the work. I see their dedication. When they’re not working out with me, my girls are sending me videos. I have girls in the weight room, doing plyometrics. They’re showing me they want it.”

Sawyer recalled having a conversation with a player who told her she wanted to play outside hitter this season and asked what she needed to do to get her shot at the position.

“That’s one of the girls sending me videos and pictures,” she said. “They’re willing to film themselves showing me their work. I love that. This is what you got to do.”

The Lady Flames begin two-a-day practices Monday, Aug. 4, from 3-7:30 p.m. They will have a break to eat dinner. Each Lady Flame was asked to bring a meal to the gym so they can “fellowship together,” Sawyer said.

“We’ll be playing and doing game-like scenarios,” she said. “It’s huge to arrive in shape. it only prepares you. They’ve been playing a lot. They didn’t let up all summer. We’re finetuning who goes where.”

Sawyer, who played for Van High School in 1997 and 1998 when the team advanced to the state tournament and for East Texas Baptist University, uses volleyball as a way to teach life lessons and helping players become the individuals they want to be.

“I use it,” she said. “It truly is valuable life skills.”

CAPTION: Abby Kosoglow is in perfect position to receive a serve and make a great pass. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro