After two consecutive playoff appearances, expectations remain high for the Permian volleyball team, even if the Lady Panthers enter 2023 with only two returning varsity players.
Permian is coming off a 27-10 overall record from last year which included a second place finish in the District 2-6A standings and a bi-district title.
However, the team has since graduated 10 players and only Jade Workman and Ariyana Garcia return from last year’s varsity team.
Still, Permian head coach Gillian Herrera is eager to see what’s in store for her team this season.
“It’s very exciting at the start of a new season,” Herrera said. “It’s a new team and new girls and new atmosphere. We’re excited and ready to hit the ground running.”
Workman returns after a stellar 2022 showing in which she was named the District 2-6A Hitter of the Year and made All-State as well.
Returning with her is Garcia who Herrera said will be a defensive specialist.
“We’re looking for (Garcia) to be a leader, defensively and to help acclimate the new girls to varsity and help run our defense,” Herrera said.
In total, there should be about six seniors and two sophomores on varsity for the Lady Panthers.
“I think we have a little bit of a steeper learning curve to get ready for district,” Herrera said. “I know the girls are excited to get started.”
While district play will officially begin on Sept. 22 at home against Midland High, the Lady Panthers will see some teams from 2-6A at different tournaments early in the season.
Herrera said that could be beneficial to help her team prepare for 2-6A play.
“It’s always a competitive district,” Herrera said. “I think we’ll get to see some of these teams over the course of the preseason at tournaments and follow along and see how they do. Come district, we’ll focus on each team, individually and be prepared. We’ll give them our best go.”
Permian will start the season against El Paso Franklin at 5:45 p.m. Aug. 7 at Permian Fieldhouse.
The Lady Panthers will then play at the Monahans tournament on Aug. 11 and 12.
However, even with the young team, Herrera said the expectations remain the same as in previous seasons.
“The expectations are high,” Herrera said. “The girls know that. They’ve put in the time over the summer. Their parents have taken them to club tournaments all over the country. They’ve worked hard in the offseason. They know what the expectations are and I think they’re ready to go.”
