After four years of coaching volleyball at Mingus Union High School, new head volleyball coach Loraine Roethler still can’t stand the Southwestern heat.
“I don’t think it’s possible if you’re not born here,” she said. “It’s like an oven.”
But if the former Orting, Wash., middle school coach may be slightly superstitious about weather, she has paid her dues to the MUHS volleyball program, coaching the freshman team for a year and junior varsity for another three seasons before being elevated in May to the head coaching position.
More than 40 girls came out for a preseason volleyball camp and tryouts, with 35 still fighting for playing time on the three MUHS teams — including a “solid” 11 on varsity, Roethler said.
“We had a great turnout,” she said. “It’s really amazing. I’m really glad and excited that a lot of girls are really interested.”
Roethler replaces Amanda Puckett, who chose to focus on her new baby and job as general manager of a local fitness gym after three years with the program.
“We have some similarities,” Roethler said of her former head coach. “I think we both are really into good, strong technique. I really like the technical stuff. I have a strong dislike for missed serves.”
For the full story and volleyball schedule, please see the Wednesday, Sept. 2, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
