STOCKTON — In just her second year of coaching, Nayeli Moreno will take over the reins for Weston Ranch girls volleyball and lead a young coaching staff into Valley Oak League competition.
And although new and young, the coaching staff will have battle-tested and seasoned mentors to draw upon for advice.
“My coaching staff and I are excited to see what is to come this upcoming season,” Moreno said. “But we know we have some big shoes to fill. The other coaches and I are still young and have a lot to learn, but luckily we still have Coach (Eddie) Menzel to support and guide us in the right direction."
After a 6-1 non-league start in 2018, the Cougars stumbled and went 8-14 the rest of the way, finishing 1-11 in the VOL and 14-15 overall.
“We hope to see a positive change in our girls’ mindset going into this season,” Moreno said. “And also see them reach their fullest potential.”
After a six-year playing career, the 2018 Weston Ranch graduate became an assistant coach for her alma mater’s junior varsity girls team and assisted on the junior varsity boys team this past spring.
Last season’s captain Senecia Patten leaves a big void in the middle as she was the starting middle blocker. Looking to pick up the slack with be senior libero Julianna Lassiter and junior outside hitter Janelle Ico returning.
The Cougars start the season on the road Friday, Aug. 23, traveling to Mountain House at 6 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 10, Weston Ranch hosts defending league champion and Sac-Joaquin Section Division III runner-up Central Catholic of Modesto at 6 p.m. to start the VOL campaign.