Oak Harbor High School’s varsity volleyball team has a small roster but a big chance at success. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Oak Harbor High School’s new varsity volleyball coach, Kaytlynn Sandwisch, wasn’t sure she was ready to commit to being a head coach. In addition to working as a student teacher at Oak Harbor Intermediate School, she is finishing her college degree and recently got engaged, so she is adding wedding planning to her already busy schedule.

“These girls deserve a coach that is willing to challenge them and be their biggest fan,” Sandwisch said. “I wasn’t sure I was prepared to do that.”

She jumped in anyway.

“But I love this game, and I love these girls,” she said.

Her passion shows. Four games into the season, the team is undefeated, even though Sandwisch is working with a small roster.

“We’re pretty small, by choice,” she said. “Everyone has an important role on the team.”

Keeping the team small was a strategic move.

“With a small team, I can make sure that everyone plays. I don’t think it’s beneficial if you sit and don’t play. I want everyone to love volleyball and enjoy volleyball,” she said. “And a smaller roster allows the girls to be closer and hopefully limits the negativity that can change our route.”

Sandwisch brings a lot of volleyball experience to the team. She is a 2019 Oak Harbor graduate who set three school volleyball records. She was a part of the 2018 team that reached regional semifinals, making them the second team in Oak Harbor history to hit that milestone.

“In 2017, our team was undefeated until tournaments,” she said. “So, I have a little bit of volleyball knowledge, especially with Oak Harbor.”

Sandwisch served as the Oak Harbor volleyball team’s assistant coach for three years and also coached softball. She entered the season with an experienced volleyball team, so her coaching philosophy is centered on building upon their strengths.

“My biggest thing this year is accountability,” she said. “They do have a shot at being really good because they have that experience. I want to challenge them every day, in the little skills and the big skills. That will grow us throughout the whole season.”

The team’s strong early showing, Sandwisch said, isn’t based on just one player. Even the players on the sidelines stay engaged by yelling advice from the bench.

“I feel like it’s everybody,” she said. “They’re a really close team. Every person is important, whether they’re playing or not playing.”

The volleyball team is made up of young players. Only two players are seniors, but the team is strong enough to hold its own at the net.

“Oak Harbor is looking forward to a really good season with a young group of girls,” Sandwisch said.

The Oak Harbor Girls Volleyball schedule can be found at https://www.bcssd.com/athletics/calendars-schedules.