NORMAN TIGERS

Coach: ALEXIS BRENDEMIHL

5-25

OUTLOOK

After a new administration took office at Norman High, the feel inside the locker room changed almost instantly. “Alexis [Brednemihl] took over the program and, immediately, new energy was present and felt by all,” said Colby Burress, NHS assistant coach and Brendemihl’s top advisor said. “Girls that would normally be looking at possibly private schools or another route let it be known they will be coming or staying in Norman.” With several newcomers, including two of the area’s most anticipated freshmen, the future of Tigers volleyball starts this fall at Norman High. “Coach Colby and I are excited about this year’s team,” head coach Alexis Brendemihl said. “That’s an understatement.” OH/RS Olivia Carter (Fr.) is already receiving Division I calls. “[Carter] has as much power on her swing as any upperclassman and can just flat out put it down,” Brendemihl said. “Olivia has a bright future and immediately makes NHS better.” Fellow newcomer MB Bella Holosek (Fr.) stands 6-foot-1 and “makes things happen” already for the Tigers. “She is active, has a great attitude, no fear and cheers everyone on,” Brendemihl said. Veteran talent will inevitably provide value for a team with such young promise, and players like Rylee Hensley (Sr., MB), Losaline Makahununiu (Sr., DS/OH) and Sadie Stover (Sr., DS/RS) will steady the team. “Coaches can’t say enough good things about this player [Stover],” Brendemihl said. “When Sadie was done with competitive cheer and attended the first open gym before tryouts, we could observe a different level of camaraderie from her leadership and presence. Not only is she a great left-handed RS and will play that spot in some matchups, but Sadie recognized the size and talent in this season’s open gyms and proactively went to the coaches and said she was going to work on her passing and do whatever it took to help the team and be a great leader.” Valyn Donahoo (Jr.), an in-city transfer RS/OH, brings a necessary presence into the locker room. “At 6-2, everyone notices Valyn when she walks into the gym. This kid comes from a family of volleyball with her sister and dad’s playing experience and background,” Brendemihl said. “She is an immediate presence at the net that helps build a blocking wall, change opposing players’ swings and can put it down with ease. She will have an immediate impact.” Camryn Burress (Jr.) has endured a challenging road to recovery since suffering a Grade 3 ankle sprain last season. As the Tigers’ top setter, Burress’ quick wit will be crucial to run Norman’s deep playbook. Elle Mohrmann (Jr.) is “extremely long and deceivingly athletic” and will be a key contributor this year. “With experience on the NHS soccer pitch, her [Mohrmann] athletic movement at the net really shows up a lot when moving pin-to-pin,” Brendemihl said. Caroline Soto (Jr., RS/OH) and Cam Kelly (Jr., Libero/DS) will also find themselves in the Tigers’ rotation this fall.